By Kuda Pembere
The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) on Friday launched their sexual harassment policy to protect lawyers while encouraging reporting of cases.
The launch on International Women’s Day addresses some of the findings from a 2017 research by the LSZ, Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association and Research and Advocacy Unit conducted research entitled ‘Sexual harassment in the legal profession: A survey report’.
Prosecutor General Justice Loice Mathanda-Moyo said commended the Society for this stance against sexual harassment in the legal profession.
“Today is International Women’s Day and our theme is Count her in: “Invest in women. Accelerate progress.” On this day we celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements of women, we also acknowledge the challenges they still face and recommit ourselves to building a more equitable society.
“Our celebration this year takes on a special significance as we witness the launch of the Law Society’s long-awaited sexual harassment policy. This initiative is not a coincidence.
“It is a powerful statement on this very day, a testament to our collective commitment to creating a legal profession where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered,” she said.
She added that the policy fosters amongst the legal profession a culture of respecting one’s dignity.
“The Law Society, through this policy, has taken a bold and necessary stance. You have sent a clear message: sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
“This policy empowers individuals who have been wronged to come forward, safe in the knowledge that their complaints will be taken seriously and addressed fairly.
” It provides a framework for reporting, investigation, and disciplinary action. This policy is not just about punishment; it’s about prevention, about creating a culture of respect within our legal community,” Justice Mathanda-Moyo said. “This is not just about protecting individuals; it’s about protecting the integrity of the legal system. Lawyers are entrusted with upholding the law, and a profession riddled with harassment cannot truly represent the values it upholds.
The launch of this policy is a beacon of hope. “It demonstrates the Law Society’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. It paves the way for a legal profession where talent and merit are the only measures of success.”
LSZ president Rumbidzai Matambo said the legal profession has been confronted by a call for addressing complaints relating to sexual harassment over the years.
“Sexual harassment has been identified as one of the challenges bedevilling the noble profession and confronts both female and male members of the profession.
“A delicate matter to handle, the LSZ has tried to raise awareness on this issue through collaborative efforts with member organisations such as the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association and the International Labour Organisation on how to tackle and address this scourge. In December 2017, the LSZ, ZWLA and Research and Advocacy Unit conducted research entitled ‘Sexual harassment in the legal profession: A survey report’.
“This report provided the much-needed baseline information around a subject that had been spoken of in hushed tones within the legal profession.
“The report identified that many in the legal profession have become so accustomed to sexual harassment from the streets to the office to the extent that we have normalised it. It is something we often hear or read about, and never give it much thought unless it esclates to physical violence. Sexual harassment is rife in the streets and as widespread in the workplace,” said
She added that males are as much victims of sexual harassment as females.
