Civil Society Gender Profile on Conflict and Security Assessment in Zimbabwe

This report presents a comprehensive Conflict, Political, Economic, Gender and Security Assessment (COPESA) of Zimbabwe from independence to the present. It examines how political conflict, economic crises, governance challenges, and security dynamics have disproportionately affected women and contributed to gender inequality. The study traces major conflict periods, including Gukurahundi, electoral violence, land reform conflicts, and social unrest, while assessing their gendered impacts on participation, security, livelihoods, and peacebuilding. It highlights the interaction between state institutions, political actors, civil society, and women’s rights organizations, and evaluates existing policy frameworks on Women, Peace and Security. The report concludes that women remain underrepresented in conflict management and peacebuilding processes despite bearing a significant share of conflict-related harms.

• Political violence, economic instability, and governance challenges have remained persistent drivers of conflict in Zimbabwe.

• Women experience disproportionate impacts of conflict, including sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, poverty, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

• Structural causes of conflict include political and economic exclusion, unresolved governance issues, electoral contestation, and prolonged economic crises.

• Existing legal and policy frameworks provide opportunities for gender-sensitive peacebuilding but suffer from weak implementation and limited resources.

• Women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and governance remains below desired levels despite gradual gains in representation.

• Develop and implement adequately funded Women, Peace and Security action plans aligned with UNSCR 1325.
• Increase women’s participation and leadership in governance, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution processes.
• Strengthen civilian oversight of security institutions and promote accountability for conflict-related abuses.
• Enhance gender-responsive budgeting and economic empowerment programmes for women.
• Support inclusive peacebuilding initiatives that address structural inequalities and barriers affecting women and marginalized groups.