In a small village in Rwanda, Calixte Nzamwita, now 71 years old, has lived a life of complete isolation—by choice. Since he was 16, Nzamwita has made it his mission to avoid any contact with women. He lived with his decision and did not see a woman for over 55 years. In a rare interview with Afrimax English, Nzamwita opened up about his journey, giving viewers a glimpse into his unusual choice and the unique way he adapted to it. Let’s have a closer look
Why Calixte Decided to Avoid Women at 16
For Nzamwita, the decision came suddenly but with lifelong consequences. At just 16, he made up his mind not to leave his home if he risked encountering a woman outside.
“The reason I locked myself inside here and have a fence on my house is because I want to make sure that women will not come close to me.”
He shared with Afrimax English
His deep-seated fear of women is known as gynophobia, which is more than just a preference for isolation—it’s a profound phobia.
Medical experts explain that gynophobia is an intense, irrational fear of women, and is different from misogyny (which is prejudice or hatred toward women). Gynophobia can stem from various causes, such as past trauma, environmental influences, or deeply personal experiences, often forming in early life. For Nzamwita, the fear of women became so overpowering that it guided his entire way of living.
“I do not want women around me because they make me really scared,” a feeling that he partly attributes to “poverty.”
Nzamwita
Life in Isolation
To manage his phobia, Nzamwita created a world where he could live alone, yet survive. He built a strong, tall fence around his home, which he covered with pieces of fabric, providing privacy and a way to keep any outside view—and women—out. His house, a simple mud structure, became his safe space where he managed daily life alone.
Over the years, he adapted to a unique lifestyle within this fenced area, with minimal contact with the outside world. The fabric-covered fence provided him with a small outdoor area he felt safe using, free from the threat of unwanted encounters. For Nzamwita, this way of living “is enough.” He has expressed that he “didn’t have any idea of having a woman and [is] okay with that,” a lifestyle choice that kept him distanced from most of his community.
Surviving While Depending On Women!
Despite Nzamwita’s strong fear of women, his survival has ironically depended on them. Women from his village have been essential in providing him with the food and supplies he needs to live. Respecting his boundaries, they devised a system where they would throw the essentials over his fence so he could collect them after they left. One woman interviewed by Afrimax English said that he “doesn’t let [them] come close or talk to him,” so they leave items “from a distance.” Although Nzamwita remained fearful, the women continued to support him from afar, maintaining his need for distance while ensuring he didn’t go without the basics.
Understanding Gynophobia
Gynophobia, like other specific phobias, affects people in different ways. It often manifests as a severe anxiety response, causing the person to avoid any scenario where they might encounter the source of their fear. According to Medical Today, gynophobia is a specific phobia where the fear centers around one particular situation or object—in this case, women. For some, phobias like these can be traced back to a traumatic incident or an experience in childhood that profoundly shapes how they view the world. Nzamwita’s case is an extreme example, yet for him, this self-imposed isolation provided a sense of safety.
Mental health professionals note that such phobias can be treated with therapy, helping individuals learn to manage and cope with their fears. Therapy can guide people to change their thoughts and behavior patterns, ultimately improving their quality of life. While Nzamwita has taken steps toward managing his fear, there are potential avenues available that could help him find relief if he chooses.
Finally Letting a Woman Inside His House in 2023!!
After decades of isolation, Nzamwita took an important step in 2023—allowing a woman to enter his home for the first time in 55 years. While the occasion was only possible due to the presence of Afrimax English, it marked a significant moment for Nzamwita, even if it was a single, brief encounter. The fact that he permitted this interaction suggests a potential shift, showing he may have started to manage his intense phobia in small ways.
Conclusion
Calixte Nzamwita’s story is one of extreme fear and adaptation, showcasing how a phobia can drive a person to reshape their life in extraordinary ways. While he chose to remain isolated due to his fear of women, it is the women of his community who kept him alive, tossing food and supplies over his fence to meet his basic needs. His journey highlights a fascinating paradox—how the very people he feared became the ones to sustain him.
