A United Nations human rights team has raised alarm over Zimbabwe’s Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, warning that it imposes heavy reporting burdens on civil society groups, including those championing women’s and girls’ rights.
The law, which government says is meant to curb money laundering, terrorism financing and promote transparency, has been criticised internationally for stifling non-governmental organisations.
Speaking in Harare, United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls chairperson Laura Nyirinkindi and deputy Claudia Flores said the legislation is fostering self-censorship among women’s rights defenders.
“Women and girl human rights defenders also face increasing restrictions due to the PVO Amendment Act, which fosters self-censorship and imposes burdensome reporting requirements,” Flores said.
The delegation urged Zimbabwe to scale up public awareness campaigns and ensure human rights education is taught in schools, anchored on equality, dignity and autonomy.
They warned that harmful gender norms, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and unequal access to basic services remain widespread, undermining constitutional obligations to gender equality.
“As of 2022, about 1.4 million women in Zimbabwe were married before 18, and 241,000 before 15,” Flores said, noting that teenage pregnancy remains high, with nearly one in four girls becoming mothers before adulthood.
Nyirinkindi also highlighted the growing risk of gender-based violence in digital spaces, saying online harassment is silencing women and girls while survivors continue to face stigma and limited access to justice.
The UN experts called for targeted support to vulnerable groups — including pregnant teens, married girls, those with disabilities and children in religious sects — while urging enforcement of laws against child marriage and stronger investment in safe online environments.
“Gender equality is not a zero-sum goal. A more equal Zimbabwe benefits everyone, men and boys included,” Flores added.
