The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is urging the government and other stakeholders to take concrete steps to improve the lives of women in Zimbabwe.
This call to action comes amidst the celebrations of International Women’s Month which is being commemorated under the theme: “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress.”
In a statement, ZLHR applauds the achievements of women and girls in Zimbabwe, highlighting their successes despite facing social, legal, and cultural barriers.
However, the organization expresses concern that existing laws, customs, and traditions often contradict the constitutional rights guaranteed to women under Section 80.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) also condemned the current evictions, stating that they violate women’s right to shelter.
“The forced evictions of women and their families from their homes without due process contravene their fundamental right to freedom of eviction guaranteed in section 74 of the Constitution, the right to property enshrined in section 71 of the Constitution and Zimbabwe’s obligations under regional and international law including the protection of cultural rights and heritage,” reads the statement.
ZLHR condemns the “heartless violations” targeting women and girls in 2024, particularly their right to shelter. Women are being evicted from their homes, with some facing house demolitions and even prosecution for simply living on ancestral land.
ZLHR states that these forced evictions, often conducted without proper legal procedures, violate the fundamental rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution.
These rights include freedom from eviction (Section 74) and the right to property (Section 71).
The country-wide operation: ‘No to Land Barons and Illegal Settlements on Land’ in either rural or urban setups operation started in January 2024.
Additionally, the evictions disregard Zimbabwe’s obligations under regional and international law, including the protection of cultural rights and heritage.
ZLHR pledged to remains committed to empowering women and continue its work of legal representation and advocacy, ensuring women can stand up for their rights and access the freedoms they deserve.
