Formal and Informal Justice Systems in the Context of SGBV, HP and SRHR in Zimbabwe: Building Cooperation and Complementarity

Examines how formal and informal justice systems can operate in complementarity rather than conflict to improve access to justice for SGBV survivors. Draws on Spotlight Initiative research in Mutasa, Karoi/Hurungwe and Umzingwane; produced by WLSA and the Legal Resources Foundation with UNDP support.

·      The two systems operate largely in parallel and often in conflict.

·      Most survivors, particularly rural women, prefer the more accessible informal system.

·      Informal mechanisms are biased and non-compliant with human rights standards.

·      The formal system operates under severe resource constraints.

·      COVID-19 lockdowns cut survivors off from both formal and community justice.

·      Build the institutional capacity of informal justice actors.

·      Reconcile the two systems via legal harmonisation, MOUs and review procedures.

·      Integrate informal institutions into official SGBV referral pathways.

·      Strengthen access to justice through community paralegals and legal aid.

·      Mainstream gender and introduce customary justice into law curricula.