Key Terms
Access to Justice
A basic human right that refers to ensuring an individual’s
access to courts, including traditional courts and/or legal
representation so that legal and judicial outcomes are just
and equitable.
Ageism
A form of discrimination or stereotyping against people on
the basis of their real or perceived older age. According to
HelpAge International, a leading older persons’ network,
“[a]geism results in prejudicial and stigmatising attitudes
and behaviour that belittle, patronise and exclude us in
our older age, deny us autonomy and dignity, and create
barriers to enjoyment of our human rights on an equal
basis with others in every aspect of life.”
Customary law
Common practice that is unwritten, accepted, expected,
and required conduct that coexist alongside formal laws.
In Zimbabwe, customary laws are legal practices
recognized by the state as binding law.
Customary law marriage
A marriage created through traditional common practices
but solemnized at the Magistrate’s Court in Zimbabwe,
and it permits the husband to have more than one wife.
Lobola
A practice whereby a bridegroom’s family makes a
negotiated bride price payment to the bride’s family, often
in the form of cattle and/or cash.
Marriage registration
A document that shows that a marriage is recognized
by an entity such as a government or the local
traditional leadership.
Widow
A woman whose husband has died.
“YOU WILL GET NOTHING”
II