The human rights situation in Zimbabwe has been deteriorating rapidly since 2000. Human
rights violations are taking place in a context characterised by a fast-shrinking economy that
is being accelerated by government policies. Those policies, particularly on land reform and
forced evictions, have contributed significantly to reducing the entire population’s capacity to
obtain access to their rights to food,1 health, education and housing.
Zimbabwean women, who are active in dedicated women’s rights organizations and in other
human rights organizations, are mobilising to confront the government in response to the
violation of economic and social rights. They are demanding respect for and protection of
their own human rights and the rights of members of their communities.