GENDER EQUITY ANALYSIS OF ZIMBABWE’S CONSTITUTION
AND COMMISSION LEGISLATION
1. Introduction
In 2013, Zimbabwe enacted a new Constitution, including strong gender equality provisions that outlaw discrimination against women. The new Constitution promotes women’s full
participation in all aspects of society and abolishes all “laws, customs, traditions, and practices”
that infringe upon women’s rights and equality with men. But the Constitution’s mandate for
gender equality is not necessarily reflected in Zimbabwe’s existing laws or practices. An initial
step to address gender inequality and obtain tangible benefits for women and girls is to ensure
that laws and policies meet the requirements of the new Constitution.
The Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU) undertook an analysis of the gender equality provisions under Zimbabwe’s new Constitution and compared these provisions to those constituted
by select countries in the region.
This document sets forth the analysis by providing:
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A comparison between the gender equity provisions of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe and those of Botswana, and Kenya, and South Africa.
2. Comparison of Gender Equity Provisions in the New Constitution of
Zimbabwe and the Constitutions of Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa.1
2.1 Summary of Gender Equity Analysis
2.1. Work and Labour Relations:
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Zimbabwe’s Constitution exceeds that of Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa in gender equity of work and labour relations.
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Zimbabwe’s government must ensure measures are taken to create employment for everyone—but especially for women and youth—and to implement family care and other related measures that allow women a real
opportunity of employment.
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Zimbabwe’s Constitution also provides the right to equal pay and maternity leave benefits. In contrast, Kenya’s and South Africa’s Constitutions
only provide that everyone has the right to “fair labour” practices.
A much more detailed paper is available on request: info@rau.co.zw