Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa

Beatrice Mtetwa is Zimbabwe’s most prominent human rights lawyer. For more than 20 years she has fought against injustice, defended press freedom, and upheld the rule of law, accepting difficult cases that other lawyers have declined for fear of political reprisal. Despite experiencing harassment, assault, violence, and arrest, she remains a steadfast advocate for human rights, women’s equality and advancement, and social justice. Mtetwa defended two previous International Women of Courage awardees, Jestina Mukoko and Jenni Williams. She has also represented politicians, civil society activists, and local and international journalists including British and American correspondents arrested while covering Zimbabwe’s 2008 election.