HARARE, Zimbabwe — From a troubled marriage in Mbare to the isolation of addiction recovery, survivors of gender-based violence and drug use are stepping forward to help others break the cycle.
At a media workshop hosted by Population Solutions for Health (PSH), in partnership with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and supported by the Embassy of Sweden, three champions shared deeply personal stories of pain, healing and transformation.
The session—held under the Love Shouldn’t Hurt, Give Me a Chance, and The Strength Is in You campaigns—also highlighted critical gaps in media reporting, including the absence of survivor voices, limited case follow-ups, and a lack of expert input.
Tendai Made (not real name), a brickmaker from Mbare, said he used to respond with violence whenever his wife asked about household needs.
“I used to drink a lot, and I’d get angry when asked about money,” Made said. “My children feared me. My home was broken, and even my business suffered.”
Things began to change in 2022 when Musekiwa came across a PSH outreach program during a football and music event. “That’s when I learned that true strength is not in fighting your wife, but in listening to her and lifting her up,” he said.
Since changing his behavior, Made said, his relationships have improved, his clients have returned, and he’s paid lobola to his in-laws—something he had long postponed. “I now take my kids to school and live peacefully with my family,” he said.
For Martha Bande, drug use began as a teenager after emotional abuse and loss. Orphaned at 13, she said she started using marijuana before progressing to other drugs such as cocaine.
“People always thought I was the perfect example, but no one knew I was struggling,” she said. “I found a sense of family in football. When you haven’t been loved, anyone who shows you love becomes your truth.”
Bande is now five years drug-free and has aspirations to work as a development practitioner after attaining a university degree in Development Studies. She urged the media to share diverse stories of recovery. “Not everyone goes to rehab. For me, it was love and counselling. Journalists need to highlight different paths.”
Antony Muimbi said he began abusing cough syrup commonly referred to as bronco in Form Four and later used crystal meth. The addiction damaged his health and led him to steal from his family.
“I can’t eat ice cream because my teeth were ruined. I used to lock myself inside the house for days,” he said. “Now, I’ve been off drugs for two years, and I’m working to rebuild my life.”
Speaking at the event, PSH marketing manager Nigel Kunaka said recovery is often misunderstood but possible.
“I remember a woman who said, ‘Sometimes I’d wake up next to a man and have no idea who he was.’ That’s the reality—drug use can begin as an escape, but the consequences are devastating,” Kunaka said. “Many families want to help their loved ones who use drugs but often reach a point where they feel helpless. Rejection doesn’t help—it can drive people deeper into substance use.”
“Everyone has a reason for turning to drugs. If we simply dismiss those reasons, we fail to help.”
Kunaka said The Strength Is in You campaign recognizes that resisting or stopping drugs can require inner strength. “It’s easy to say, ‘Say no to drugs,’ but for someone already using, that slogan can feel dismissive. Quitting can be a difficult, emotional journey.”
Kunaka said the campaign amplifies the voices of real people who’ve walked the path of recovery, and is supported by trained counselors and community health workers. “Sometimes all someone needs is a person to talk to,” he said.
He added that the media continues to play a critical role in spreading awareness, noting that “81% of our helpline calls came through radio adverts. That alone tells us how powerful awareness can be. This isn’t just a campaign—it’s a lifeline.”
PSH officials said the overall goal is to reduce drug demand and increase social support for those affected. The organization runs a toll-free helpline at 08080117, which links individuals to services and information.
The workshop also highlighted the need for media collaboration on reporting gender-based violence and child marriages. Journalists called for greater inclusion of survivor voices, case follow-ups, and expert commentary to ensure more empathetic and accurate storytelling.
* The names of the survivors are pseudonyms used to protect the identities of individuals who requested anonymity.
