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Investing in women and girls
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
March 10, 2008

As the world commemorated International Women's day on the 8th of March 2008, Zimbabwean women had nothing to celebrate as the socio-economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe worsens with women being the most affected. The theme for this year's commemoration was 'Investing in women and girls'.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the life expectancy rate for Zimbabwean women is standing at 34 years as compared to 60 years at independence which is lower than that in war torn areas. Iraq 's life expectancy rate stands at 61 years, Afghanistan , more than 40 years and Sudan , 57.

The inflation rate was, at the end of January 2008, pegged at 100,580.2% [1] while 85% of the population in Zimbabwe are living in abject poverty. Women continue to bear the brunt of the soaring economy. Sanitary ware, which is a basic right for any female is being sold for more than Z$30 million, which is way beyond the reach of the majority. Many women have thus been driven into prostitution due to the economic hardships being faced in the country.

HIV and AIDS have ravaged families with females being the worst burdened with nursing the family members who have succumbed to the deadly disease. WHO reports that approximately 3 500 people are dying in Zimbabwe every week mainly due to the AIDS pandemic and related illnesses. Women are forced to care for the sick as stereotypically they are viewed as caregivers. This has impacted heavily on the women who still have to wake up in the early hours of the day to pursue their daily chores of fetching the basic commodities that are in short supply.

The government, which is supposed to be promoting women's rights, continues to expose them to abuse through its uniformed forces. On 19 February 2008 when the Progressive Teacher's Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) leaders were illegally detained by the ZANU PF youth militia, the women who were among those detained reported that they were beaten on their private parts and accused of being prostitutes. This was in full view of a police officer from the Harare Central Law and Order section.

In addition, women are being harassed by the police under 'Operation Chipo chiroorwa' (Chipo get married) where the police are targeting prostitutes. However, a number of innocent women have been incarcerated and accused of prostitution even in instances when they have been sported returning to their homes from buying groceries. Such actions by those tasked with safeguarding the law show how stakeholders are failing to uplift females.

As state party to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Zimbabwean government should promote and respect women's rights in order to fully invest in women and girls. The government should improve the social, political and economic environment which allows both men and women to have equal opportunities if the country is to develop in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

[1] Central Statistical Office-January 2008

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