The Catalyst Collective

In many societies, polygamy—the practice of one man marrying multiple women—has been historically and legally permitted under certain conditions. Yet, when the reverse is proposed—polyandry, where one woman marries multiple men—the idea is often met with resistance, ridicule, or outright prohibition. This double standard exposes a fundamental hypocrisy in how we legislate relationships. If a legal system permits polygamy, then fairness and equality demand that polyandry must also be legal. Anything less undermines the principles of gender equity, freedom of choice, and cultural diversity. The Historical and Cultural Context Polygamy has existed for centuries in various forms, often tied to religious, economic, or social structures. In some cultures, it was a means of consolidating power, ensuring lineage, or providing for women in societies where men were frequently lost to war. Today, a handful of countries still legally recognize polygamous marriages, though often with restrictions. ...

In a world where men are often expected to be unshakable pillars of strength, mental health struggles have become a silent epidemic. While 1 in 8 men experience mental health problems, only 36% seek professional help. The statistics paint a grim picture: men account for 75% of suicide deaths globally, and in many African communities, the numbers are rising. The problem isn’t just about mental health—it’s about stigma. From childhood, boys are taught to "man up," to hide pain, and to equate vulnerability with weakness. These outdated norms create a dangerous cycle of silence, isolation, and untreated suffering. Why Men Don’t Speak Up 1. Cultural Expectations – Traditional masculinity often frames emotional expression as a flaw. 2. Fear of Judgment – Many men worry they’ll be seen as "weak" or "unreliable" if they admit to struggling. 3. Lack of Safe Spaces – Few platforms exist where men can openly discuss mental health without ridicule. 4. Misdiagnosi...

In a world filled with pressing social, environmental, and political challenges, many of us feel the urge to take action. But a common question arises: When is the right time to start volunteering, joining a movement, or even founding one? The truth is, there’s no perfect moment—only the moment you decide to begin. However, understanding your motivations, capacity, and the impact you want to make can help you determine the best path forward. 1. When to Start Volunteering Volunteering is often the easiest entry point into activism or community service. Here’s when it might be the right time for you: - You Have a Passion but Limited Time – If you can’t commit to a full-time role in a movement, volunteering allows you to contribute meaningfully in flexible ways. - You Want to Learn – Volunteering helps you understand an issue deeply before taking on larger responsibilities. - You Feel a Personal Connection – If a cause resonates with your values or lived experience, stepping in as a volun...

As we prepare for this Saturday’s webinar, "What Does Modern-Day Feminism Mean to You?", it’s the perfect time to reflect on how feminism has evolved—and what it demands of us today. Feminism is no longer just about gender equality in the workplace or the right to vote (though those battles are far from over). It has expanded into a movement that must be intersectional, inclusive, and intentional in its fight for liberation. Feminism Beyond White, Cisgender Women Traditional feminism often centred the struggles of white, middle-class women, ignoring the compounded oppressions faced by Black, Indigenous, disabled, and working-class women. Modern feminism must be intersectional—recognising that sexism doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It intersects with racism, capitalism, and ableism. - Reproductive justice isn’t just about "choice"—it’s about access, affordability, and the right to parent safely in a world that criminalises Black and Brown mothers. - Economic justice means...

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, The Catalyst Collective once again visited Chisomo Shelter, an orphanage in Linda, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting underprivileged girls. This visit was particularly special as we focused on menstrual health and hygiene, a critical yet often overlooked issue affecting young girls in marginalized communities.   A Day of Giving and Learning Our team had the privilege of donating:   - Assorted sanitary pads (ensuring a sustainable supply for the girls)   - Assorted girls' clothing (to help with their daily needs)   But beyond material donations, we engaged in an interactive session with 12 girls (a number that varies slightly depending on the school year) to discuss menstrual hygiene, body changes, and self-care practices.   Breaking the Silence on Menstruation   In many communities, menstruation remains a taboo subject, leading to misinformation, shame, and even school absenteeism amon...

On April 3, 2025, women across Zambia took to the streets in a powerful demonstration under the hashtag **#NoBailNoBond**, demanding an end to bail and bond for rapists—especially those accused of defiling children. The march, organized by women’s rights groups, activists, and outraged citizens, was a direct response to the alarming surge in child defilement cases and the perceived failure of the justice system to protect victims. A Crisis of Violence Against Children Zambia has been grappling with an epidemic of sexual violence against minors. Recent reports from the Zambia Police Service and child protection NGOs reveal a disturbing increase in defilement cases, with many victims as young as four years old. Despite existing laws, perpetrators often evade justice—walking free on bail, intimidating victims, or receiving shockingly lenient sentences. For many Zambian women, the final straw was the case of a 10-year-old girl in Lusaka who was brutally assaulted, only for her alleged atta...