An Assessment of the Efficacy of Informal Justice Systems in Addressing SGBV in Three Districts of Zimbabwe (Hurungwe, Mutasa and Umzingwane)

Assesses traditional and informal justice systems in addressing GBV/SGBV in three districts using qualitative and ethnographic methods, examining how cultural norms mediate case handling and interact with the legal framework. Produced by WLSA with the Legal Resources Foundation under the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative.

·      Varying levels of awareness of what constitutes GBV, SGBV and harmful practices.

·      Case handling is ad hoc and reactive with no established procedural framework.

·      Adjudication is shaped by patriarchal norms that institutionalise silence and abuse.

·      The system is ill-suited to protect women, girls, minors and persons with disabilities.

·      There is no formalised cooperative relationship with the formal justice system.

·      Repackage informal justice systems with administrative and procedural safeguards.

·      Conduct national advocacy and public education campaigns.

·      Establish community one-stop centres for handling GBV/SGBV/HP cases.

·      Recruit and train community-based 'foot-soldiers' for ongoing education.

·      Strengthen village committees and forge formal ties with police and prosecutors.