Prominent human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa,
has been honoured internationally among women making outstanding contributions
in their fields around the world.
Mtetwa was one of the 21 international honourees recognised
by the Harvard Law School as powerful voices in their respective fields.
This comes as the law school celebrated its sixth Harvard
Law International Women’s Day Portrait Exhibit during Women’s Day where
remarkable work done by women around the world in areas of law and policy were
showcased.
Speaking to the Daily News on her recognition, Mtetwa said
it’s inspiring to have her work appreciated at local and international level.
She, however, expressed disappointment that despite her contributions, human
rights violations are spiralling out of control in Zimbabwe.
“I have received various recognitions both locally and
internationally and it’s really inspiring but I’m not seeing any change on the
ground. If anything, the human rights situation is actually worsening in
Zimbabwe,” she said.
Government was recently blasted for human rights violations
following its crackdown on protesters who took part in a three-day national
shutdown organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions.Mtetwa has made a
name for herself internationally through fighting against human rights
violations in the country.
In 2013, she was
arrested under former president Robert Mugabe’s regime for obstructing justice.
Mtetwa was apprehended at the home of late MDC leader
Morgan Tsvangirai’s chief legal adviser, Thabani Mpofu, during a police raid
and was accused of allegedly shouting at police officers and taking photographs
of them as they searched the house.
Her eight-day
detention caught the ire of the international community as lawyers, civil
society groups and politicians across the globe condemned the police action and
demanded her immediate release.
Despite the persecution, the fearless lawyer, who defended
a number of people arrested during Mugabe’s reign, has remained unshaken.
In 2014, she was
awarded the American Annual International Women of Courage Award which
recognises women who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in
advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s
empowerment, often at great personal risk around the globe.
Since its inception
in 2007, the award has honoured 76 women from 49 different countries, with
Mtetwa being the third Zimbabwean to receive it after Jestina Mukoko and Jenni
Williams.
The top human rights lawyer has spent decades fighting
human rights abuses and corruption in Zimbabwe and was once named Human Rights
Lawyer of the year in 2003.
In 2011, she won the
American Inamori Ethics Prize for her efforts to fight against injustices in
the country.
The Inamori Ethics Prize honours outstanding international
ethical leaders whose actions and influence have greatly improved the
conditions of humankind.
Mtetwa was the fourth recipient of the award after other
international winners including Ireland’s first female president Mary Robinson.
She has also made
positive contributions in the media industry by defending journalists and
fighting for media freedom.
Along the way,
Mtetwa has suffered intimidation, physical abuse and arrests for her boldness.
Daily News
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