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About this report
This report focuses on the circumstances of women human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. It explores their
motivations and objectives. It documents human rights violations experienced by women human rights
defenders, and the tools of repression used by the government to crush dissent. The report also looks at the
government of Zimbabwe’s obligations under regional and international human rights treaties, and makes
recommendations to the government of Zimbabwe, the Southern Africa Development Community and the
international community, particularly the African Union.
Amnesty International understands human right defenders to be people who act to promote and protect
human rights. They may be victims and survivors of human rights violations themselves, or friends or
relatives of victims of human rights violations seeking to redress the violations suffered by their relatives.
Alternatively, they may be journalists, lawyers, members of human rights organizations or politicians who
speak out against government repression, who are working for the promotion and protection of human rights
for all. They are human rights defenders because of what they do, not because of their job or profession.
Article 12 of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders recognizes the right of everyone "individually
and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and
fundamental freedoms." It places an obligation on the state to "take all necessary measures to ensure the
protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any
violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action
as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights."
The bulk of the information in the report was gathered during a three-week mission by Amnesty International
to Zimbabwe in February and March 2007. Amnesty International interviewed 59 women in Bulawayo, Insiza
district in Matabeleland South province, Masvingo, Chivi district in Masvingo province, Mutare, Chegutu and
Harare. Delegates interviewed professional women and student activists, women from townships and rural
areas. The women ranged in age from late teens to women in their 60s. Amnesty International also
interviewed male human rights defenders who are experiencing similar constraints and violations.
Amnesty International made several requests for meetings with government officials, in writing and in
person, but failed to secure a single interview.
Some of the names of the people mentioned in this report have been changed in order to protect their
identity.
Context
Zimbabwe is in the midst of what the World Bank has called unprecedented economic decline for a country
in peacetime.(7) The country also has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV and AIDS cases in the
world, and more than a million children have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic.(8) The pandemic has
also had a serious impact on a large number of households, since many individuals suffering from AIDS are
less able to contribute to household income. In addition, erratic rainfall, coupled with shortages of farming
inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, have led to a significant reduction in food production, making it difficult
for families to find resources to pay for healthcare.(9) Zimbabwe is ranking 151, out of 177 countries, on the
United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index.(10)
The standard of living in Zimbabwe, including average life expectancy (currently 36.6 years) is at its lowest
level in over thirty years;(11) 45% of the population is malnourished, one of the highest rates in the
world.(12)
Zimbabwe is experiencing hyperinflation which translates to daily increases in the prices of basic goods and
services. By the end of April 2007 the country’s annual inflation rate had reached 3713%.(13) In contrast,
household incomes have remained static.
The majority of the women interviewed by Amnesty International came from households that provide care to
children who have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic. With no assistance from the state or NGOs, the
women have to feed and pay for the education of both their own children and of other children under their
care. Two thirds of female-headed households care for orphans and vulnerable children.(14)
Human rights concerns related to access to food and housing
The Zimbabwe government’s policies on land reform and mass forced evictions have resulted in a significant
reduction in the capacity of many households to access the rights to adequate food, education, healthcare
and housing. The fast-track land reform programme,(15) which began in 2000, and the 2005 programme of