Reported by Kwanele Leslie Mbiza
On the 21st of October 2025, women from Hwange gathered at the Hwange Colliery School of Nursing Hall to participate in a nationwide consultation focused on ensuring fair and equitable access to justice for women and girls. This initiative, spearheaded by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, aims to collect data in line with the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) to assess progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly in relation to access to justice.
The event attracted a diverse group of women from various ages and backgrounds, as well as officials from local organizations, including the ZRP Victim Friendly Unit, the Legal Resources Foundation, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Buwalo Matalikilo Trust (BMT), and councillors from the Hwange Local Board.
Promoting an Inclusive Legal System
Discussions at the consultation revolved around the promotion of an inclusive and equitable legal system. Participants addressed the need to eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that hinder women’s access to justice. Mrs. Anna Mandizha Ncube from BMT raised significant concerns about the male-dominated nature of the justice system, particularly within traditional courts. She pointed out that while most complainants are women, the majority of arbiters are men, leading to unfair outcomes. Ncube emphasized that a justice system designed by men often serves to protect male interests, thereby disadvantaging women and girls.
Other barriers to justice highlighted during the consultations included a lack of public awareness due to poor access to information, discriminatory and outdated marriage and property laws, and the inaccessibility of the justice system, particularly for rural women. Many participants acknowledged that those who most need protection from the justice system often find it inaccessible, either financially or physically.
Shaping Society Through Education
Mr. Mthulisi Bvute, a councillor from Hwange Local Board, echoed the prevailing sentiment of societal bias against women. However, he emphasized the crucial role women play in shaping society through the upbringing and socialization of their children. Cllr Bvute urged women to instill values of respect and equality in their children, fostering a future generation that upholds the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.
The Path Forward
Mrs. Gillian Hlatshwayo from the Legal Resources Foundation, who facilitated the program, expressed a long-term vision for reviewing policies that unfairly hinder women’s access to the justice system. She stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the need for women to access justice in the short term. Many attendees shared her hope for the eventual repeal of discriminatory laws that prevent women from utilizing the legal system meant to protect them.
One of the event organizers, Mrs. Sinikiwe Vera from the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, highlighted the lack of information as a significant obstacle to accessing justice. While some organizations provide legal advice and services, she stressed the need for increased awareness and outreach efforts. “There is a lack of information, especially at the grassroots level,” Vera noted, advocating for service providers, including the courts, to engage directly with communities to educate them about their rights and the justice process.
The consultations in Hwange serve as a critical step toward addressing the deep-rooted issues of neglect and marginalisation faced by women. As participants united in their call for equitable access to justice, there is hope that continued advocacy and concerted efforts will lead to meaningful change and empowerment for women and girls across Zimbabwe.
