10 Steps backwards
The Gendered Impact of Food Aid
Maladministration in Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) highlights the devastating impact of
partisan food aid distribution on women and girls in Zimbabwe. In August,
52.5% of the 213 recorded human rights violations targeted women and
girls, with many cases linked to the maladministration of governmentsponsored food aid.
The ongoing trend where government sponsored food aid is stolen and
politicised exposes the systemic gender inequality and discrimination that
perpetuates hunger and poverty among women and girls. The partisan
distribution of food aid has disproportionately affected women, who are
often the primary caregivers and breadwinners in their families.
The theft and diversion of food aid for personal gain by political officials
exacerbates the existing food crisis, leaving vulnerable women and girls
and persons with disabilities, among other vulnerable populations, without
access to essential resources. This not only violates their human rights but
also perpetuates cycles of poverty and hunger.
ZPP commends the efforts of the government to raise resources to support
vulnerable communities, however more needs to be done to address the
systemic issues perpetuating partisan food aid distribution and associated
human rights abuses. Only through collective action can we hope to create
a more just and equitable society where women and girls have access to
essential resources and can thrive.
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