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

Distils the key policy and advocacy issues from WLSA's August 2020 research report, examining how cultural norms and patriarchal traditional courts disadvantage women, girls and persons with disabilities. Sets out eight major issues to inform civil society advocacy under the Spotlight Initiative.

·      Participants held contradictory understandings of what constitutes SGBV and harmful practices.

·      The informal justice system is structurally patriarchal.

·      There are high levels of silence and low levels of reporting.

·      Persons with disabilities and young girls face acute barriers to justice.

·      The Traditional Leaders Act and Customary Law and Local Courts Act are outdated and lack gender standards.

·      Introduce contextualised education and sensitisation across the informal system.

·      Lobby for monitoring, supervision and regular assessment of informal justice systems.

·      Engage Government, Parliament and constitutional bodies.

·      Reform both Acts to embed gender-sensitive protections.

·      Institutionalise the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities.