Jenny Williams (left) and Magadongo Mahlangu (centre) of WOZA receiving the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award from President Obama - copyright RFK Centre

Magodonga Mahlangu and her organisation, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), received the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. WOZA is a grassroots movement of over 75,000 Zimbabweans working throughout their country to empower women from all walks of life to mobilise and take non-violent action against injustice.

Statement by RFK Centre

Tens of thousands of women have joined WOZA in standing up for human rights and speaking up about the worsening economic, social and political conditions in Zimbabwe. Since its founding in December 2002, WOZA has staged hundreds of nonviolent marches in support of democratic reform and women's empowerment. The Government of Zimbabwe has jailed Ms. Mahlangu and thousands of WOZA supporters many times for their participation.

Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy presented Ms. Mahlangu and Ms. Jenni Williams, accepting on behalf of WOZA, with the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in a Washington, DC ceremony on November 23rd, 2009.

"I feel both great excitement for the recognition of my work with WOZA and sadness because although my work has gained recognition internationally, in my own country I have been labeled an enemy of the state," said Ms. Mahlangu. "Now I know I am not alone, the world is watching and one day Zimbabwe shall be a normal society - with the determination of the members of WOZA, anything is possible."

"In a country torn by violence and economic ruin, Magodonga Mahlangu and WOZA provide a desperately needed voice for the people of Zimbabwe and we were proud to select her and her organization for this prestigious award," said Gay McDougall, RFK Human Rights Award Judge and U.N. Independent Expert on Minority Issues.

"Magodonga and the members of WOZA's courageous and selfless struggle to defend human dignity sets a powerful example, not only for Zimbabwe, but for the entire world," said Claudio Grossman, RFK Human Rights Award Judge and Dean of American University's Washington College of Law.

Ms. Mahlangu participates in WOZA's protests and has helped create its signature style of peaceful, yet relentless actions. Ms. Mahlangu has been arrested over 30 times in the course of her work as a human rights defender. Along with WOZA co-leader Jenni Williams, she has led campaigns with WOZA supporters to address many of the most crucial human rights issues facing Zimbabwean women, the rights to food and education for children, and the rights to participation and association. Learn more about WOZA at www.wozazimbabwe.org.

"Despite constant harassment and 3000 members spending time in police custody, WOZA members continue to build a grassroots movement to ensure that the voice of the people of Zimbabwe is central to determining the future of their country," said Monika Kalra Varma, Director of the RFK Center for Human Rights. "Today the RFK Center begins a partnership with Magodonga and WOZA to contribute to their efforts and stand up for the rights of all Zimbabweans."

For 41 years, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights (RFK Center) has worked for a more peaceful and just world. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor courageous and innovative human rights defenders throughout the world who stand up against injustice, often at great personal risk.

The award includes a cash prize of $30,000 and on-going legal, advocacy and technical support through a partnership with the RFK Center. Winners are selected by an independent panel of human rights experts. The 2009 panel included Claudio Grossman; Gay McDougall; Makau Mutua, Dean of University at Buffalo Law School, The State University of New York; Sushma Raman, President of Southern California Grantmakers; Dr. William F. Schultz, Senior Fellow at Center for American Progress.

Source: RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights (www.rfkcenter.org)