Zimbabwean women's organizations are urging the government to see to the passage through parliament of a bill on domestic violence that they say is long overdue.
Chairwoman Betty Makoni of the Women's Coalition said those who commit domestic violence should receive longer prison sentences than provided for under Zimbabwean law. Makoni said she felt sure the bill, which protects the rights of young girls in particular, will be passed. The bill has passed a first reading in parliament.
But human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa told reporter Ndimyake Mwakalyelye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that she doubts the legislation will be passed into law any time soon, given that it has been languishing in parliament for years.