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Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes
Dissertation (LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2024.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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University of Pretoria
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613633245085696 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Maziwisa, Michelle Rufaro |
| author_browse | Maziwisa, Michelle Rufaro |
| author_facet | Maziwisa, Michelle Rufaro |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Dissertation (LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2024. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/100872 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:39:14.996Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/100872 Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes Maziwisa, Michelle Rufaro mutogom@gmail.com Mutogo, Michelle Ruvimbo UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Reproductive rights Maternal health Health regulation Traditional birth Dissertation (LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2024. This dissertation explores the intersection of traditional birthing practices and formal healthcare in Zimbabwe, focusing on the role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal health. It analyzes Zimbabwe's legal position on these practices, assesses the regulation of TBAs, and evaluates whether, and if so, how, integrating traditional mechanisms into the formal healthcare system could improve maternal health outcomes. Traditional birthing practices remain prevalent, particularly in rural areas, due to cultural significance, economic constraints, and inadequate access to formal healthcare services. However, the lack of a clear regulatory framework for TBAs in Zimbabwe has created risks for maternal and infant health, such as unregulated and inconsistent practices. This study also draws on international and regional human rights frameworks, including the right to health and reproductive rights to argue that the integration of TBAs could enhance maternal health outcomes if properly regulated. Comparisons with jurisdictions such as Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa are used to illustrate how similar contexts have addressed the regulation of TBAs, revealing best practices and challenges. The research highlights the importance of legal recognition, training, certification, and ongoing monitoring of TBAs to ensure that they complement the formal healthcare system without compromising the quality of care. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for Zimbabwe to formalize the role of TBAs within its healthcare framework by enacting clear regulations, implementing structured training programs, and improving healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap between traditional and formal maternal healthcare as a way to improve maternal health outcomes in Zimbabwe. Ultimately, this study underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural practices while safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and infants. Centre for Human Rights LLM (Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa) Restricted Faculty of Laws SDG-10: Reduced inequalities 2025-02-13T15:26:31Z 2025-02-13T15:26:31Z 2025-05-28 24-10-24 Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/100872 Disclaimer Letter en © 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Reproductive rights Maternal health Health regulation Traditional birth Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title | Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title_full | Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title_fullStr | Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title_short | Analysing Zimbabwe’s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| title_sort | analysing zimbabwe s legal position on traditional birthing practices as a tool to improve maternal health outcomes |
| topic | UCTD Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Reproductive rights Maternal health Health regulation Traditional birth |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/100872 |