8
Effects of gender
There are numerous studies that indicate that the consequences for women of organized violence
and torture are more severe than for men, and also that this holds for refugee populations. This
sample is both torture survivor and refugee.
The trend for both groups in seeking refuge and asylum was the same, although there a
significant increase in the number of women coming to South Africa in 2005, presumably
associated with Operation Murambatsvina.
Table 4
Female
1%
1%
6%
8%
11%
66%*
8%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Male
1%
1%
4%
8%
13%
53%
14%
*p=0.025
There were a number of differences between men and women in their profile. As can be seen
from Table 5 below, and as was reported in the earlier report, men were more likely to be
married than women. Men were also more likely to have had formal employment, to report
having been an activist, and claim membership of the MDC. Women were more likely to have
been unemployed or only employed in the informal sector, but high percentages of women
reported being activists or members of the MDC too.
Table 5
Female
31%
18%**
21%*
37%
63%
43%
Married
Unemployed
Informal employment
Formal employment
Activist
MDC member
Male
52%*
8%
9%
66%*
77%**
58%**
*p=0.005; **p=0.025
Men were also significantly more likely to have experienced multiple violations, 18 although the
women had a high number [49%] that did experience multiple violations too. There were no
differences in the reported perpetrators, apart from a significantly increased frequency on the
part of men to report the Zimbabwe Republic Police [ZRP] as perpetrators.
However, there were great differences between men and women in the types of violations
experienced. Men reported beatings, unlawful arrest and detention, sensory over-stimulation,
witnessing violations, electrical shock, and falanga significantly more frequently than women.
Unsurprisingly, women reported rape and indecent assault more frequently than men. However,
18
This was significant on a test of means [p=0.05].