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Invitation
to cooperation on realising the Peoples Charter
Women
of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
January 23, 2007
The Peoples Charter brings focus to the non-violent struggle for a
socially just Zimbabwe
During 2006, Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA/MOZA) conducted
countrywide consultations on social justice, which led to the birth
of the People's
Charter. In 284 consultations, approximately 10,000 Zimbabweans
opened their hearts and minds to the activists, sharing with them
their dreams for a new Zimbabwe. Towards
the end of 2006, thousands of Zimbabweans joined in Charter launch
events in Bulawayo (29th November) and Harare (12th December). In
Bulawayo, as men, women and babies peacefully set out their demands
for social justice, police officers viciously assaulted the group,
including grandmothers and babies, resulting in the spilling of
blood at Mhlahlandlela Government complex. Despite this brutality,
members of WOZA and MOZA announce to both friend and foe alike that
they will not betray the hopes and desires that Zimbabweans have
expressed through the People's Charter. In 2007 the streets
will continue to echo with voices demanding social justice. The
people have spoken and will continue to speak out until their dream
of a new Zimbabwe is realised.
As we continue
with the non-violent struggle in 2007, those on the frontline need
more than ever the solidarity of Zimbabweans and friends in the
Diaspora. We also call on all organisations both inside and outside
Zimbabwe to join hands with us to respect the wishes of Zimbabweans
by endorsing the Charter and becoming 'People's Charter
Champions'. We therefore call on all individuals and organisations
committed to a democratic and free Zimbabwe and a socially just
Africa to undertake the following:
- Read and
understand the People's Charter
- Send the
Charter to any Zimbabwean or friend of Zimbabwe and ask them to
read it and distribute it widely.
- Mobilise
Zimbabweans to conduct their own People's Charter launch
events. We wish to challenge Zimbabweans that if Muzarabane and
Kezi can be planning to launch the Charter then so can Zimbabweans
in Pretoria, Gabarone or London. The target of these peaceful
launch events can be any political leader - be they ruling party
or opposition - councillor or senator. Even the local Zimbabwean
ambassador needs to be pressurised to receive the Charter and
relay it to Harare. We are willing to assist in planning and mobilising
for these events.
- Co-opt any
and all politicians to sign and endorse the People's Charter
and promise to raise it in their Parliament. WOZA and MOZA also
wish to announce that no politician is a sacred cow - they
will all be visited and made to hear our voices, as we demand
social justice. We will also not be fobbed off by being told that
'liberation comrades' are sacrosanct - they
more than most know what promises were made during the liberation
war and they will be the first to be held accountable.
- Obtain as
many signatures as possible committing people to become People's
Charter Champions. The world over there are too few people genuinely
championing social economic and cultural rights of the poor and
underprivileged.
We end this
statement by reminding members of the armed forces of Zimbabwe that
they are our children and we love them enough to discipline them
with our tough love. In 2007 it will no longer be acceptable to
beat mothers and babies saying you were only following orders. Self-interest
may feed your family for a day but we want your family to eat what
they choose and when they choose to eat. Freedom does not belong
to a small group but should be enjoyed by every one - they
must join us in demanding the promises of the liberation war.
We, the leadership
of WOZA and MOZA, pay tribute to the courage of all our comrades,
who have been assaulted and arrested, tortured and intimidated,
hounded and humiliated. We salute your commitment and encourage
you to increase your commitment. Not only continuing to mobilise
for peaceful protest but to mobilise Zimbabweans to be part of a
non-violent movement struggling for new Zimbabwe - that will mean
daily commitment. To Zimbabweans, we also want announce that WOZA
marks its fifth birthday on Valentine's Day this year - make
sure you are standing up to be counted!
Visit WOZA fact
sheet
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