mbulelo smpofu
Brenda Rumutsa
In many communities around the world, intersex individuals, especially children, often face stigma, discrimination and a lack of understanding.
In Zimbabwe, these challenges are no different. Intersex conditions, where a child is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of male or female, remain largely misunderstood. As a result, children born with these conditions are often subjected to invasive medical procedures, societal rejection and emotional turmoil, even though these variations are natural and not a result of any choice.
Globally, estimates suggest that intersex traits occur in approximately 1 in 1 500 to 1 in 2 000 live births. Intersex is an umbrella term encompassing a range of conditions where an individual’s chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex characteristics diverge from the expected male or female norms. For many, the idea of not fitting into one of these binary categories is difficult to grasp. Yet, it is important to understand that intersex traits are simply part of human diversity, much like albinism or Down’s Syndrome.
In Zimbabwe, the issue of intersex individuals remains taboo. Cultural beliefs and social stigmas often lead to silence surrounding these variations. Some view intersex traits as a curse or as the result of one parent’s misdeeds—commonly referred to in Shona as kuromba or kubata mushonga.
Families may not disclose a child’s intersex status, fearing judgment and rejection. In some cases, relatives or spouses may abandon the child, leaving the mother to shoulder the burden alone. Tragically, some intersex children are confined within their homes or disowned altogether. This rejection can lead to severe psychological harm and in some cases, children may even resort to suicide after experiencing such familial and societal rejection.
Additionally, the lack of systematic data collection on intersex individuals further compounds the issue, making it challenging to address their needs effectively.
For intersex children, growing up in a society that does not accept deviations from the gender binary can be an incredibly challenging experience. They may feel different from their peers from an early age, especially if they undergo early medical interventions that alter their natural body development. The societal pressure to conform to traditional gender norms exacerbates these challenges, leading to bullying, identity confusion and feelings of alienation.
The lack of awareness in schools and communities only deepens their struggles. Intersex children often need significant emotional and psychological support to navigate these challenges.
Counselling is essential to help them process their feelings, build self-esteem and explore their gender identity without fear of judgment or coercion. Families, schools and communities must be equipped with the knowledge and compassion to support these children.
The binary nature of gender documentation adds another layer of difficulty for intersex individuals. Identity documents often misrepresent intersex individuals, assigning them to one of the two binary categories, male or female, which may not align with their natural characteristics. As these children grow and their bodies develop due to hormonal changes, their assigned identity may no longer match their lived reality, making it difficult to use these documents.
Intersex individuals also face challenges in sports and employment. Due to widespread misunderstanding of their nature, they are often stigmatised or outright excluded, preventing them from participating fully in society.
The fear of cultural stigma often leads to decisions about medical intervention. Parents may feel pressured to authorise early surgeries or hormonal treatments to “normalise” their child’s anatomy, hoping this will help the child lead a more socially acceptable life. However, medical professionals increasingly caution against early and unnecessary surgeries. These procedures, often performed in infancy or early childhood, can have irreversible consequences, including infertility, sexual dysfunction and lifelong physical and mental health challenges.
There are more than 40 known variations of intersex traits as highlighted by medical practitioner Dr Norman Matara, yet most healthcare providers are not well-equipped to support intersex individuals.
Moreover, many health professionals lack in-depth knowledge of intersex variations. This knowledge gap affects the quality of care provided, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) issues such as cancer screening and contraception. Lacking proper medical advice, some intersex individuals turn to herbal remedies for self-medication, further endangering their health.
Organisations such as the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (Icoz), founded by Kudakwashe Maiswa, play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by intersex individuals. The organisation seeks to raise awareness on intersex issues, dismantle societal misconceptions and foster greater acceptance within communities.
Their advocacy extends to championing the rights of intersex individuals and advocating for equitable treatment in all spheres of life, including healthcare, education and social services. Through their efforts, Icoz aims to promote understanding and visibility, shedding light on the realities of intersex experiences and reducing the stigma that often isolates these individuals and their families.
Public education campaigns, workshops and community engagement initiatives are tools used to challenge prejudices and encourage inclusive attitudes. By empowering intersex individuals to live with dignity, Icoz underscores the need for systemic changes that prioritise respect, compassion and equality.
Their work highlights the importance of addressing immediate challenges and creating long-term solutions that ensure intersex individuals can thrive in a supportive and understanding society.
We must take meaningful steps to acknowledge the existence of intersex individuals and work collectively to address the unique challenges they face.
Let us commit to building a society where intersex children can grow up free from fear, shame and discrimination, allowing them to embrace their identities without judgment.
By fully embracing the rich spectrum of human diversity, we can ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to live with dignity, respect and the freedom to flourish.
Intersex children, like all others, deserve unwavering protection, equal opportunities and the support necessary to reach their full potential. Together, we can break the silence, foster genuine understanding and create a compassionate society where intersex children and their families are not only accepted but supported in easing their burdens and challenges.
