An interrogation of the law relating to cohabitation in Zimbabwe and the need for law reform.

Abstract

This article specifically interrogates the extent to which the continued lack of recognition of cohabitation relationships under Zimbabwean law has resulted in disproportionate gendered impacts on women involved in such relationships. Yet in all fairness and to a large extent, a cohabitation relationship performs the same function as that of a legally recognized marriage. It argues that the non-recognition is discriminatory and violates section 56(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The article builds a case on the need for law reform of marriage laws in Zimbabwe that takes into account international best practice.