Access to Justice Dynamics for Women and Girls with Disabilities: The Zimbabwean Context

Nyaradzo  Shumba; Tshimangadzo Oscar Magadze

doi:10.25159/2520-9515/12267

Authors

Nyaradzo Shumba University of Fort Hare https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9726-9679
Tshimangadzo Oscar Magadze University of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/12267

Keywords:

access, justice, dynamics, women and girls, disabilities

Abstract

A democratic country has a mandate to guarantee access to justice for all its citizens without discrimination based on disabilities. Therefore, lack of access to justice by persons living with disabilities in Zimbabwe is controversial. The central argument of this article is that the violation of human rights of girls and women with disabilities in Zimbabwe requires urgent intervention from the international community as mandated by local and international conventions. Since Zimbabwe is a signatory to these conventions, it is obligated to enact laws that uphold these rights. The study opted for a mixed method as part of the research methodology. The findings revealed that there are significant barriers to access to justice that still need to be overcome. These hindrances include attitudinal hurdles that make accessing justice difficult for women and girls living with disabilities. The article further acknowledges that access to justice is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities.

Author Biography

Nyaradzo Shumba, University of Fort Hare

Doctoral student

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Legislation

Disabled Persons Act [Zimbabwe] 2010.