MCC Manchester News

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)

Since early 2003, members of the activist organisation Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) have been repeatedly arrested during peaceful demonstrations against the worsening social, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe. They have been subjected to intimidation, harassment and ill-treatment by police officers. Mothers with babies and children, and pregnant women have been among those arrested.

On more than 10 occasions, WOZA members have been severely beaten while in police custody and the police have repeatedly denied them access to food, lawyers and medical care.

On 19th March 2007, two WOZA members reported being taken from their homes at gunpoint by police. They were questioned about WOZA, assaulted and left in the bush.

On 6th June, seven members of WOZA were arbritrarily arrested after engaging in peaceful protest. Two of them were also reportedly beaten while in police custody.

The treatment of WOZA by the police illustrates the Zimbabwean government’s increasing intolerance of peaceful criticism of government policies. But in the face of an increasing clampdown, women human rights defenders demonstrate incredible resilience, bravery and determination.

What can I do?

1) You can show your support for WOZA in a really practical way by making roses for them out of crepe paper, which they can use in their peaceful campaign actions around Valentine’s Day on 14th February. Simply roll red crepe paper into a rose bud shape and secure it with green cotton or stickly tape (remembering to ensure that your creations are lightweight for easy posting). Then send your roses together with a religious or non-religious card with a message of support to:

WOZA
PO Box FM701
Famona
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe

Salutation: Dear members of WOZA

Suggested message: In solidarity with your important human rights work. With best wishes.

Important information: For the safety of the recipients, do not make political comments. You may put your name and address in the card .

2) Send an appeal to the Zimbabwean authorities via the Amnesty Website by following this link:
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp.ActionID=364

Basic instructions from Amnesty:

• Do not use cards with Amnesty’s name or logo, or mention Amnesty in your message (unless otherwise stated).
• Simple messages of goodwill are enough. Never include political comments.
• As a rule, only send non-religious cards. In cases where we say religious cards can be sent, you may send either a card of any religion or a card of a specific religion as directed, without causing offence or posing a threat. When a non-religious card is advised, avoid referring to religion in your message. For example, rather than writing ‘you are in our prayers’, write ‘you are in our thoughts’.
• Put your name and address (including country) on your card, except if we specifically ask you not to. If you receive a reply, please send a copy to Amnesty International.
• Write your message in English or your first language. Only write in the recipient’s language if you are confident your message will be accurate. Suggested messages translated into the recipient’s first language are available at www.amnesty.org.uk/cases.
• Take note of the instructions for addressing your card.
• Use airmail stickers for sending cards overseas.