Covid-19, Women’s Mental Health, and Religion in Zimbabwe: Insights from Christian Women and Clergymen in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to find out intersections of Covid-19, women’s mental health, and religion in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe, during the first 35 days of the lockdown. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from a purposefully selected sample of 15 Christian women and three clergymen in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Participation was voluntary and all participants gave their consent. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained by not identifying participants by their real names. Data were thematically analysed. Findings show that while Covid-19 negatively affected all people in terms of mental health and psychological well-being, the burden weighed heavily on women on account of their caregiving role in the public and private spheres as well as their domestic responsibilities. The study also revealed that Covid-19 and its management were associated with heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Religion gave women hope. A sense of closeness to God gave the women resilience amidst the pandemic. Religious messages and prayers for the sick and bereaved, though at some point hampered by movement restrictions and digital challenges, were helpful mechanisms of stress reduction. It is recommended that the government and other stakeholders including faith communities adopt a gendered approach to provide psychosocial support and enhance women’s coping capacity.