Southern Africa: Delayed constitutional reviews delays gender equality

Harare, 30 July: According to the 2014 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer, since 2009, eleven SADC countries have undertaken constitutional reforms that have had a bearing on gender equality. Also, thirteen out of fifteen SADC countries now have affirmative action provisions in their constitutions.

However, draft reviews in Tanzania and Zambia have not yet been finalized, leaving citizens vulnerable without active constitutions. In Zambia, the constitution has been under review for five years, since government is delaying the release of   the final draft, and the review process is awaiting a referendum. This delay has an effect on the already low representation of women in political decision making, as the current constitution does not have quotas for women.

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