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In Their Capacity as Human Rights Defenders: Women
Foreword
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights joins the world in commemorating the United Nations
International Women’s Day on 8 March 2015. This year the theme, “Empowering women,
empowering humanity: Picture it!” is relevant to the situation that women find themselves in
Zimbabwe. It is important to note the pivotal role that women human rights defenders play
and the various challenges they continue to face in pursuit of their objective of defending the
human rights of all in Zimbabwe. This publication celebrates the work and achievements of
some women human rights defenders and recognises their important role in shaping the
destiny of Zimbabwe.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe, for the first time, recognises the rights of women to dignity,
equality and equal opportunities in economic, political and social activities. As the
Government of Zimbabwe takes measures to realise these constitutional protections, and as
the alignment of laws progresses, women must be afforded equal opportunities to participate
in this critical national process. While carrying out the constitutional alignment agenda,
government departments must empower women - who constitute 52% of the country’s
population - to participate. In this way, they will be empowering all Zimbabweans to
participate in national processes and become equal citizens.
The participation of women must not only be full, but also effective participation. This is only
possible if there is a conducive operating environment where women human rights defenders
are accorded the protection and respect they deserve. Zimbabwe has to move with the times,
as it has done with the recognition of rights of women in the Constitution. So it must also
embrace the resolutions of protection of rights of human rights defenders and pay particular
attention to the needs of women human rights defenders, with their protection being
prioritised. The Government of Zimbabwe is therefore urged to ensure that women HRDs are
consulted and able to fully participate to influence the reform of laws and institutions.
PRECIOUS CHAKASIKWA
Vice Chairperson
Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights