Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Matabeleland North and South provinces in Zimbabwe have the highest number of widows, according to a 2024 government survey by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC).
The report reveals that Matabeleland South has 27.3% of household heads who are widowed, surpassing the national average of 23.6%.
Key Findings:
- Female-Headed Households: 37.7% of households are female-headed, with Matabeleland North having the highest proportion at 44.3%.
- Education: 87.9% of household heads have received some form of education.
- Religion: Most household heads belong to the apostolic sect (34.7%), followed by Pentecostal members (12.2%).
- Health Challenges: 10.1% of households have members with chronic illnesses, with hypertension/high blood pressure and HIV/AIDS being the major conditions.
- Support Systems: 43% of households received support from the government, while 6% received aid from the United Nations and donor agencies.
The report highlights the struggles faced by widows in Zimbabwe, who often face property grabbing and eviction by their in-laws ². Many widows are unaware of their property rights, and those in unregistered customary unions are particularly vulnerable.
Challenges Faced by Widows:
- Property Rights: Widows are often denied their property rights, with in-laws taking over homes and land.
- Lack of Awareness: Many widows are unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Limited Economic Options: Widows, especially in rural areas, have limited economic options and rely heavily on their husbands’ families.
The Zimbabwean government has been urged to take steps to protect widows’ rights, including registering all marriages, reforming marriage laws, and raising awareness about property rights.
Zim GBC News©2024