PART C: THE ZIMBABWE COUNTRY REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA 1. Introduction 1.1 In 2008, Zimbabwe ratified The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (hereinafter referred to as the “Maputo Protocol.”) Zimbabwe is pleased to submit its initial report under this Protocol. Since ratification, Zimbabwe has continued to take measures to ensure the realisation of the rights enshrined in the Protocol. These measures include Constitutional, legislative and administrative measures. 1.2 This report gives a summation of the actions taken by Government in compliance with its obligations under the Protocol. The report is structured in such a way as to respond to each of the specific provisions that Government is obligated to report on. The first part provides a background to the report which includes a brief description of the country’s overall legal framework as it relates to women’s rights, an explanation of the Protocol’s application under domestic law and an outline of the state institutions relevant to the Protocol. The Report Writing Process 1.3 This Report was prepared in consultation with and including the participation of non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, academic institutions, and child-based organisations. The latter were included to ensure that the voice of the girl child is represented. Copies of the Report, in draft form, were availed to all relevant stakeholders followed by discussions of the Report in seminars organised for that purpose Page | 70