Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)

Women of Zimbabwe Arise suffer further violence as part of ongoing pattern of harassment. Charges have been brought against the seven members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), including Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, who had been arrested on 6 June 2007 in Bulawayo. They were all subject to ill-treatment while in detention. Take action on behalf women human rights defenders in Zimbabwe  

Over 200 members of WOZA, MOZA and student leaders arrested while participating in a peaceful protest to mark WOZA’s fifth Valentine’s procession were finally released on 15 February 2007.

Members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (MOZA) were participating in a demonstration that took place a day before Valentine’s Day on 14 February 2007, when the WOZA women traditionally hold the Valentine's Day procession. It is reported that there was approximately 274 men and women and 20 babies arrested and detained in police custody. The protesters were being held in 7 different police stations: Bulawayo Central, Mziliazi, Donnington, Hillside, Nkulumane, Queens Park and Sauerstown. On the same day, state security and the law and order section at the Harare Police Central Police station arrested and detained 15 student leaders at the Harare Polytechnic including, Promise Mkwanazi, President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union. The student leaders were holding a peaceful protest about the deteriorating situation of higher education in Zimbabwe.  

On 25 October, five members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arrested following a peaceful march to protest against the illegal eviction of more than 60 residents in a housing premise in Bulawayo. Faina Maphosa, Maria Moyo, Samkeliso Sibanda, Senie Dube and Thalitha Mtendesi are the most recent human rights defenders to bear the brunt of the Zimbabwean governments intense crackdown on dissidents.

Reports claim that the women marched into the housing premise and distributed leaflets highlighting their grievances with the Zimbabwean authorities. The women were allegedly harassed by officers and subjected to degrading treatment whilst spending the night at Mzilikazi and Sauerstown police stations. The women were released on bail on 27 October 2006. They are due to appear in court on 10 November charged under Chapter 46, Section 2, (v) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The charges have been dropped against Maria Moyo.  

Front Line, in association with the TCD One World Society, held a special event on women human rights defenders in Trinity College Dublin on Monday 6th December. This event was organised as part of the international Campaign on Women Human Rights Defenders.

The event illustrated and discussed the specific challenges facing women human rights defenders and was addressed by three women who play a highly active role in defending human rights globally. Firstly, Ms Jennifer Williams who works in Zimbabwe with WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Arise) to empower women to protect their human rights. Secondly, Ms. Fatima Nateson Burnad who works in India with Dalit women’s resistance movements in saying no to the caste system. And thirdly, Ms. Nadya Avsievich from Belarus who works in health promotion and human rights education. Mary Lawlor, Director of Front Line, chaired the event, which took place in the Arts Block in Trinity College, in Room 3074, on Monday 6th December, commencing at 7pm.  

Women of Zimbabwe Arise – (WOZA)

Press Statement 20th September 2004 Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) members embarked upon a 440-kilometer walk from Bulawayo to Harare on Sunday19 September 2004. The women activists, numbering 35, left Bulawayo at 6:20 am on Sunday and by 5 pm, 20 September the group had set up camp at the Matabele War Memorial 107 kilometers from Bulawayo. They will continue walking along the highway covering 30-50 km per day. They are spending the night out in the open and had showers to content with last night and the weather has remained inclement today. Suitable for walking but not for sleeping out in the open.