Intersecting the right to health of male secondary learners in a rural Chiredzi North, Zimbabwe: Challenges and strategies

Munyaradzi Chidarikire; Saruchera Munyaradzi

doi:10.38140/ijsse.v1i2.2124

Authors

Munyaradzi Chidarikire Africa For Centre for HIV/AIDS Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3507-8329
Saruchera Munyaradzi Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management, Stellenbosch University, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4345-1293

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsse.v1i2.2124

Keywords:

Male secondary learners, Mental health , Sexual abuse , Stigmatisation

Abstract

The study unpacks the limited literature. It deals with the barriers male learners face in rural Chiredzi North, Zimbabwe, in accessing their right to health, highlighting systemic challenges and potential strategies for improvement. This study explores the challenges of male secondary school learners regarding sexual abuse. It determines strategies to enhance their mental health support, which can protect them from sexual abuse in rural Chiredzi North in Zimbabwe. Fifteen participants were purposively selected based on gender, expertise, and geographical location, ensuring diverse representation of perspectives. They comprised four male learners, two teachers, one counsellor, one police officer, two village heads, two officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, two parents, one Ministry of Health Official, one Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs official. Data were collected through two focus group discussions: one specifically for young learners and another for adult participants. Data were subsequently analysed using thematic analysis, which facilitated identifying key themes. The findings revealed that male learners often experienced profound feelings of isolation and stigmatisation, which intensified their psychological distress and deterred them from seeking help. The findings indicated that enhancing community health education and increasing access to healthcare services are vital strategies to address male secondary learners' intersecting right to health in rural Chiredzi North, Zimbabwe. Considering these findings, recommended that educational institutions and community organisations develop and implement awareness programmes focused on the rights against sexual abuse and the right to mental health.
Keywords: Male secondary learners, Mental health, Sexual abuse, Stigmatisation

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