THE proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3 has sparked fierce opposition from women’s rights groups, who warn that dissolving the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) could roll back decades of progress on gender equality in the country.
The Bill, gazetted on February 10, seeks to transfer the ZGC’s functions to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
Critics say this move risks creating a protection vacuum for women and girls, weakening oversight on gender equality and putting Zimbabwe at odds with its constitutional and international obligations under instruments such as the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
In a statement, Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) said the dissolution of the ZGC undermined both the spirit and letter of Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
“They (clauses) strike at the heart of Zimbabwe's constitutional framework and weaken the State's capacity to protect and promote gender equality. A dedicated oversight body for gender equality is not a luxury; it is a constitutional necessity,” WLSA said.
The organisation urged Parliament to carefully consider the implications of clauses 18 and 19 of the Bill.
It further called on the government to ensure that legislative reforms respect constitutional provisions governing independent commissions and align with Zimbabwe’s obligations under regional and international human rights treaties.
“Zimbabwe is equally bound by CEDAW, which requires State parties to establish effective national machinery for the advancement of women,” WLSA said.
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Established under section 246 of the Constitution, ZGC serves as a watchdog over State compliance and as a custodian of gains achieved by the women’s movement.
“The commission has served as a complaint mechanism for victims of gender discrimination and a monitor of compliance with gender equality laws; its dissolution will create a protection vacuum for the most vulnerable members of society,” WLSA warned.
The organisation further stressed that dissolving the commission compromises Zimbabwe’s compliance with both regional and international treaty obligations.
WLSA urged the government to respect entrenched constitutional provisions governing independent commissions and, where required, subject structural amendments to a referendum of the people of Zimbabwe.
“Ensure that all legislative reforms are fully aligned with constitutional guarantees and Zimbabwe's obligations under the Maputo Protocol, CEDAW, and regional and international human rights instruments.”
