Media Coverage
WLSA Zimbabwe in the press. Media coverage, interviews and features on our work advancing gender justice.
The Legal Revolution Is Female Zimbabwe's Gavel Shifts Hands
https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/the-legal-revolution-is-female-zimbabwes-gavel-shifts-hands/
Beyond 1977: Why Zimbabwe's Reproductive Laws Must Catch Up to Reality
The opinion article discusses the need to reform Zimbabwe's outdated 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act and highlights the advocacy efforts of Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe and the Safe Abortion Caucus. It notes WLSA's role in spearheading proposed amendments through the Medical Services Bill to expand access to safe and legal abortion, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and align reproductive health laws with constitutional rights. The article presents WLSA as a leading voice in promoting women's reproductive rights, access to justice, and evidence-based legal reform while encouraging public support for the proposed legislative changes.
Beyond 1977: Why Zimbabwe's Reproductive Laws Must Catch Up to Reality
The opinion article discusses the need to reform Zimbabwe's outdated 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act and highlights the advocacy efforts of Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe and the Safe Abortion Caucus. It notes WLSA's role in spearheading proposed amendments through the Medical Services Bill to expand access to safe and legal abortion, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and align reproductive health laws with constitutional rights. The article presents WLSA as a leading voice in promoting women's reproductive rights, access to justice, and evidence-based legal reform while encouraging public support for the proposed legislative changes.
Women's Group Decries GBV Cases
The article highlights concerns raised by Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe over the continued prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV). WLSA Executive Director Isheanesu Chirisa stresses that the lack of women's economic, social, and legal empowerment increases their vulnerability to violence. The organisation calls for stronger legal protections, greater investment in women's empowerment, improved access to justice, and the dismantling of cultural and systemic barriers that perpetuate GBV. WLSA also urges government and stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of laws and policies aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.
Key Provision of Termination of Pregnancy Act Declared Null and Void by High Court
The article reports on a landmark High Court judgment declaring Section 2(1) of Zimbabwe's Termination of Pregnancy Act unconstitutional and invalid. It highlights the role of Women in Law in Southern Africa (WLSA), together with Talent Group, in successfully challenging the provision, arguing that it violated the constitutional rights of children and survivors of rape. WLSA contended that, following Constitutional Court rulings raising the age of sexual consent to 18 and outlawing child marriage, pregnancies resulting from sexual activity involving minors should be recognised as arising from unlawful intercourse. The judgment expands legal protections for children and rape survivors by affirming their constitutional rights and strengthens WLSA's advocacy for access to justice, gender equality, and the protection of women's and girls' reproductive rights.
Women Breaking Leadership Barriers
The article highlights the work of Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe in advancing women's leadership and participation in decision-making. It credits WLSA's advocacy for gender equality, legal empowerment, and implementation of a project supported by the Norwegian People's Aid to increase women's participation in leadership, particularly in Murehwa District. The article also profiles female political leaders, including Chido Madiwa-Tsinakwadi, illustrating how WLSA's initiatives have contributed to creating opportunities for women to assume leadership roles and challenge discriminatory socio-cultural norms.
