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Statement on International Women's Day
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
March 07, 2011

Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, on the 8th of March.

As an human rights organisation, we take cognizance of the amazing contribution made by our mothers, aunts, sisters and grandmothers to the country's political, economic and social development, despite limited opportunities for their intellectual advancement.

This year's international theme cites the need for "Equal access to education, training and science and technology: pathway to decent work for women." Relating this theme to the Zimbabwe situation, ZimRights calls for the government and responsible authorities to pave way for women to witness and experience the technological and scientific development for self-growth.

ZimRights notes with great concern the predicament which Zimbabwean women find themselves in as a result of the political instability that the country is experiencing. Being one of the most vulnerable groups, it is of utmost importance that government takes into cognisance the need to protect women from being exposed to unwarranted human rights violations at the hands of their male counterparts.

As the country heads for the constitution referendum and elections, the security of women is of major concern as most fear reliving the violations of the 2008 elections. Most women became victims of rape, torture and intimidation either for participating in politics or for being married or related to men who are actively involved in politics. This has negatively affected women's participation in not only politics but in most governance processes. To date, many women have had to live with constant reminders of the rape they went through; some were impregnated and have the babies, while some are now HIV positive as a result of the rape, yet justice has not been delivered.

ZimRights calls for women's empowerment. The government must avail education facilities to the girl child as this is when the basis of a future is created. Most Zimbabweans cannot afford the standard school fees, compromising the education of the girl child. This must come to an end! A woman does not need a learned man to add value to her life; a learned woman can stand on her own. Give her that chance!

Stop gender based violence!

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