WUNRN
ZIMBABWE - RESOLUTION SIGNED FOR AGENDA FOR
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT+ Women Leaders Mission for Solidarity
“The
coming together of Zimbabwean women across their diversities provides a new
impetus and bridge for implementation of the Global Political Agreement.” — Mary Robinson
(Harare, Zimbabwe—April 30, 2010) Last evening in Harare, the leaders of the
women’s wings of the three main political parties signed a resolution to work
across their political divides to accelerate implementation of the Global
Political Agreement (GPA) and build a common agenda for women’s
empowerment. The signing of this
historic resolution was witnessed by Olivia Muchena, Minister of Women’s
Affairs, Gender and Community Development; Sekai Holland, Minister in the Organ
on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration; Mary Robinson, President
of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, former President of
Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Lois Bruthus,
Ambassador of Liberia to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The resolution was immediately endorsed by
the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus of Zimbabwe and welcomed by the women’s
organizations.
Emilia Muchawa, President of the
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, expressed enthusiasm for the resolution and
noted, “I am pleased to report that there is a strong commitment to developing
a roadmap for dialogue and action for women over the next two years that will
include the civil society voices of the Women’s Coalition as a key partner with
the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development and the Organ
on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration.”
This resolution and commitment to
a roadmap for women were outcomes of a meeting called the High Level Dialogue on Women’s Empowerment in the Political and
Economic Arena, co-hosted by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Women, Gender and
Community Development; the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation and
Integration; and the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe.
This dynamic dialogue was held on
the occasion of a five-day solidarity visit by a delegation of eminent African
women leaders led by Mary Robinson and organized by the Women Leaders Intercultural
Forum of Realizing Rights. The
objectives of the mission included sharing global experiences on women’s
empowerment. President Robinson was
joined on the visit by:
·
Dr. Brigalia Bam (South Africa), Chairperson,
Independent Electoral Commission, South Africa; former General Secretary, South
African Council of Churches
·
Dr. Achola Pala (Kenya),former Africa Chief,
UNIFEM; former Senior Policy Advisor, Africa Bureau, United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP)
·
Dr. Thelma Awori (Uganda/Liberia), President
of the Board, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund; Member, Civil Society
Advisory Group on UNSCR 1325, United Nations; former director of UNDP’s Africa
Bureau; UN Resident Representative in Zimbabwe; and President of Isis-WICCE
·
Ambassador Counsellor Lois Bruthus (Liberia),
Liberian Ambassador to South Africa, former President of the Female Lawyers
Association
·
Mrs. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (Zimbabwe),
General Secretary, World Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA); former
Regional Director for East and the Horn of Africa, UNIFEM; and Human Rights
Officer with UNICEF in Zimbabwe and Liberia. Founder of Rozaria Memorial Trust
(Zimbabwe).
·
Ms. Elizabeth Lule (Uganda), Manager, Operational, Quality and Knowledge Services for
The World Bank; former manager of the World Bank’s program on HIV/AIDS, where
she managed the Bank’s HIV/AIDS work in Africa.
The delegation was warmly
received by the women of Zimbabwe and the leadership of the Inclusive
Government, including the President, Vice Presidents, Prime Minister and Deputy
Prime Minister. Listening and learning was at the center of the delegation’s
active engagement with women. During their visit, the delegation met with women
in the rural areas and talked to advocacy groups, civil society organizations,
courageous human rights defenders, young women, the UN country team and the
diplomatic community.
Dr. Achola Pala noted, “Despite
the challenges, we were impressed by the determination and courage of the
Zimbabwean women as full and active participants in the process of
transformation of their society. We saw
the innovation and resilience of women, particularly women in the rural areas,
in providing for their families. We
listened to their collective acknowledgement of the need for healing and their
acceptance that Zimbabweans have wounded each other.”
The women in the leadership of
the country expressed a deep commitment to bring an end to violence. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda noted, “It was a high
point when the Zimbabwean women political leaders acknowledged to each other
that violence against women had occurred and the nation must provide support
urgently to survivors, as well as define ways for justice and healing.”
The delegation was pleased to
observe that mechanisms and institutions are in place for redress and
reconciliation, such as the Global Political Agreement (GPA) and its monitoring
mechanisms, such as the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC);
the Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation, and Integration; and the Human
Rights Commission. Dr. Thelma Awori
stated, “These efforts by the Zimbabwean people, and Zimbabwean women in particular,
require international acknowledgement and support, both moral and
financial. The urgency of seizing this
window of opportunity in Zimbabwe cannot be overstated. If these efforts are
not supported or nurtured, we run the risk of the efforts losing momentum.”
The delegation of eminent women
identified two critical issues:
1) The
constitutional reform process is pivotal to the success of the Global Political
Agreement. The delegation highlighted
how important it is, therefore, that women fully participate in this process so
that their rights are enshrined in the new constitution.
2)
Given the present economic constraints, resources are required to stimulate
women’s economic activities so as to better position their participation in the
economy and development.
In view of all that the
delegation heard and learned from the women in Zimbabwe, members of the
delegation found good reason that the way the world talks about Zimbabwe should
take into account the progress that has been made here on the perspectives of
women. The delegation urges the regional and international communities to
support the efforts of the women of Zimbabwe.
# # #
For more information on the Women Leaders Diplomacy Mission to
Zimbabwe visit Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative at
http://www.realizingrights.org/?option=content&task=view&id=476
Sharon
Bhagwan Rolls
Executive Director: femLINKPACIFIC
E: sharon@femlinkpacific.org.fj
femLINKPACIFIC coordinates the Regional Women's
Media and Policy Network on UNSCR 1325
We serve as the Regional secretariat for GPPAC in the Pacific
femLINKPACIFIC is a member of the National Council of Women Fiji, NGO Coalition
on Human Right,
AMARC, WACC, Fiji Media Watch and the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders
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