Minority within Minorities: A Critique of Cultural Practices which Influence Gender Inequalities among the Nambya in Zimbabwe

The chapter is a contribution towards the discourse on gender and power in the context of Nambya women in Hwange district in Zimbabwe, who have suffered from multiple marginalisation due to their cultural practices, ethnicity and gender. Of significance are the cultural practices embedded in marriage, ritual practices and family dynamics which are patriarchal which has resulted in the side-lining of Nambya women to become second-class citizens and minoritised in the wider society.

The chapter is a contribution towards the discourse on gender and power in the context of Nambya women in Hwange district in Zimbabwe, who have suffered from multiple marginalisation due to their cultural practices, ethnicity and gender. Of significance are the cultural practices embedded in marriage, ritual practices and family dynamics which are patriarchal which has resulted in the side-lining of Nambya women to become second-class citizens and minoritised in the wider society. The chapter investigates the roles of Nambya women, their cultural practices and the impact of marginalising women among the Nambya ethnic group. The study will utilise the phenomenological approach to understand women in Nambya and this chapter seeks to unmask hegemonic masculinities that disempower women under the pretext of upholding Nambya cultural practices. It also seeks to contribute to debunking cultural practices and values which disempower women and create gender inequality among minority ethnic groups like the Nambya in Zimbabwe. The chapter recommends the debunking of cultural practices that limit women reaching their potential.