Commercialisation of Divorce in Zimbabwe: The Case of Maintenance Laws and Legislation

Abstract

Maintenance laws have been enacted in Zimbabwe since 1971. There is no doubt that the laws have played a significant role in promoting social justice between married couples when they decide that they can no longer stay together as husband and wife. However, this paper argues that in the current tough economic conditions in Zimbabwe, the Maintenance Act [Chapter 5:09] has been abused by some fortune seekers or those wanting to seek vengeance. Using the experiences of men in the current economic hardships in Zimbabwe the paper explores cases of gender inequality being perpetuated by the gaps in the maintenance legislation.

Keywords: Maintenance Act, gender, marriage, divorce, men, women, equality.