Zimbabwe's Domestic Violence Act, passed into law in February, went into effect on Thursday amid skepticism by some women’s groups as to its likely effectiveness.
Women noted how long it had taken for the legislation to pass, and the lack of funding for the prosecution of crimes such as child rape. They noted that no funds had been allocated to the Ministry of Gender Affairs to monitor compliance with the act.
Though sharing such concerns about insufficient funding, outgoing Women’s Coalition Chairwoman Betty Makoni said it was up to women to ensure the act was effective.
Makoni told reporter Ndimyake Mwakalyelye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that the act is a positive step forward in the protection of women and children.