CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY 1.0 Introduction The current study was commissioned by Justice for Children Trust (JCT). JCT is a locally registered trust headquartered in Harare. It was formed to offer free legal services to disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe. In its work with disadvantaged children, JCT works with children natural and legal guardians in the following areas: • • • • The provision of free legal services to minors in civil and criminal matters To educate society on children’s laws To research , document and publish findings on children’s legal issues To lobby and advocate for legal and policy reform on matters affecting children.1 1.1 Goal of Research The research aims to bring out the challenges around Birth Registration, document lessons learned and make pointers for future impactful interventions. 1.2 Research Objectives The objectives of the research were: • To present the gender and advocacy initiatives on Birth Registration in greater depth • Document and provide insight into best practices • Identify the causes of the problem of non-registration of births and communicate best way forward in terms of lobbying and advocating requisite changes • Examine the obstacles to universal Birth Registration and the actions needed to achieve universal registration • Examine the individuals, community institutions and other available resources that children use for survival 1.3 Situation Analysis and Background to the Study Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980. Despite major socio-economic challenges that it faces, the country still has reasonable social services and infrastructure. Since independence Zimbabwe has recorded remarkable achievements such as the widespread franchise and considerable expenditure on social welfare. The country has one of the best social policy systems in Africa, with health care and education having been extended to the generality of people through the establishment of health facilities and the building of numerous primary and secondary schools nationwide. As a consequence, there has been a momentous increase in both the number of primary and secondary schools in national financial resource planning, achieving one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. 1 Justice for Children Trust, 2007 Birth Registration Research Report/2007 16