An Assessment of the Formal Justice System in Responding to SGBV, Harmful Practices (HP) and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in Zimbabwe

A grounded qualitative analysis of the capacity and responsiveness of Zimbabwe's formal justice system to SGBV, harmful practices and SRHR, based on fieldwork in Mutasa, Umzingwane and Hurungwe (36 survivors, 21 key informants, 4 witnesses and 15 national stakeholders). Maps legal, policy and institutional frameworks and survivors' lived experiences. ISBN 978-1-77920-454-7.

·      The system is gender-insensitive and causes secondary victimisation of survivors.

·      The referral pathway is under-resourced, donor-dependent and lacks disaster preparedness.

·      Survivors and witnesses report negative experiences and stigma against key populations.

·      High economic and socio-cultural costs deter reporting and pursuit of cases.

·      COVID-19 spiked SGBV levels while restricting access to services.

·      Realign laws with the 2013 Constitution and CEDAW, Maputo and SADC protocols.

·      Strengthen the SGBV referral pathway with more one-stop centres and funding.

·      Build the capacity of prosecutors and police to handle cases sensitively.

·      Invest in low-cost technology and infrastructure such as toll-free reporting lines.

·      Fund and decentralise Legal Aid and create victim-friendly courts.