In a landmark step toward inclusive legal reform, the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs (MoJLPA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a national stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, at Cresta Lodge Msasa. The breakfast dialogue brought together a wide array of stakeholders from government ministries, independent commissions, civil society, development agencies, and diplomatic missions to introduce the development of a legal framework for the recognition and protection of intersex persons in Zimbabwe.
The initiative is part of the government’s implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which pledges to leave no one behind, and aligns with Zimbabwe’s international human rights commitments. These include the country’s acceptance of recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to protect intersex minors from non-consensual surgeries and uphold bodily autonomy, as well as regional efforts like the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Resolution 552 of 2023, which calls for the protection of intersex persons across Africa.
The meeting was opened by Mrs. Virginia Nyemba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, who emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing human rights for all. Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative, reiterated the UN’s support for inclusive legal and policy reform in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Manhiri, Chief Law Officer at MoJLPA, presented an overview of the proposed legal framework, stressing the urgency of addressing human rights violations suffered by intersex persons, including forced medical procedures, lack of legal identity recognition, and systemic exclusion from services. “It is time to translate awareness into action and protection,” he said.
Contributions during the plenary session came from key organizations including the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (ICOZ), Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Registrar General’s Office, and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. These discussions highlighted the everyday realities faced by intersex individuals and emphasized the urgent need for a legal and policy framework that guarantees dignity, equality, and protection.
Betha Tsitsi Ndabambi founder of the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe Trust, a board member of the Southern Africa Intersex Forum and a multi-award-winning journalist, shared powerful testimony and insights into the lived experiences of intersex persons and the advocacy journey leading to this historic dialogue in an interview with the media. Her leadership has been instrumental in raising visibility and fostering understanding on intersex issues nationwide.
Key outcomes of the meeting included:
Agreement to establish a multi-sectoral technical working group to support research and advocacy.
Increased stakeholder awareness and understanding of the rationale and scope of the legal framework.
Strengthened national commitment to advancing intersex rights.
Participants represented ministries such as Health and Child Care, Women Affairs, Primary and Secondary Education, Labour and Social Welfare, Home Affairs, and the Office of the President and Cabinet. Also in attendance were representatives from the Embassy of Canada and Michael Ott, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Harare, reflecting strong diplomatic support. The Embassies of Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands also participated.
This meeting was a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey to develop inclusive, rights-based legislation, and highlighted the importance of collaborative, evidence-driven processes in ensuring the protection and recognition of all citizens, regardless of sex characteristics.