Zimbabwe Peace Project
VULNERABLE GROUPS
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) initiative has disproportionately impacted vulnerable
groups, including people with disabilities (PWDs), women, the elderly, and child-headed
households. Women, who often carry the greatest burden of unpaid care work, are being
forced to contribute maize that they had reserved for their families, potentially
undermining their right to food, adequate nutrition, and household security. In Nyanga
South Constituency, Ward 15, a group of PWDs successfully cultivated maize earlier this
year, only to face pressure from their village head and the Ward 15 coordinator, Kadira,
representing the Ministry of Women Affairs, to contribute their harvest to the GMB
program.
Residents
and
farmers
have
raised
concerns
over
the
lack
of
clear
communication or explanation about the objectives and requirements of the program.
Reports also indicate that intimidation and coercion are being used to enforce
compliance, particularly through the involvement of ZANU PF party leaders, including
Source: ZEC
Sekai Maposa and Ward 15 Councillor Charles Kavhenga, raising serious questions about
the protection of vulnerable groups and their constitutional rights to equality, dignity, and
freedom from coercion.
RECOMMENDATIONS
ZPP recommends that the Chief's Council implement accountability measures for
traditional leaders to prevent the abuse of vulnerable groups within the community.
ZPP recommends the proper dissemination of information through formal, non-partisan
channels such as radio stations and posters, ensuring that citizens in rural areas do not
miss important information regarding various processes.
ZPP recommends that such processes involve the Zimbabwe Republic Police to monitor
proceedings and reduce the misuse of funds and abuse of office.
ZPP recommends that GMB and Social Welfare closely monitor the process of grain
collection so that villagers are not overcharged by village authorities and community
leaders.
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