WOMEN’S RIGHT TO ACCESS FAMILY PLANNING, INFORMATION AND SERVICES DURING HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCIES: A CASE OF CYCLONE IDAI IN CHIPINGE AND CHIMANIMANI DISTRICTS OF ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Women’s access to family planning information and services during humanitarian emergencies is a key component in the advancement of gender equality, women’s empowerment and social development. The exercise of women’s reproductive rights allows them to make informed choices, take control of their bodies and is a crucial determinant of their enjoyment of other rights. The domain of reproductive rights enables women to live lives endowed with dignity and well-being. International and regional norms and standards require that state parties respect, protect, promote and fulfill reproductive rights. Zimbabwe has registered commitments to upholding reproductive rights through the Constitution and other laws. Despite these provisions, rural women affected by humanitarian emergencies are confronted by a host of challenges in accessing family planning information and services, in contravention of Zimbabwe’s human rights obligations.