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WOZA
leader wins International Women of Courage Award
Women
of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
March 11, 2007
WOZA is pleased to announce that one of its founders, Jenni Williams,
has been awarded an International
Women of Courage Award by the US Secretary of State, Condoleeza
Rice. Jenni accepted the award in Washington DC last week on behalf
of the members of WOZA.
The award aims
to honour the contributions of women in furthering the cause of
freedom, justice, peace, and equality. Williams was one of 10 women
honoured, having been chosen from 82 activists nominated by various
US embassies around the world.
In announcing
the award for Williams, the US State Department cited the "harassment
and physical abuse" she suffered under President Robert Mugabe's
regime and commended her for "providing an example of courage
and leadership by working for change through peaceful and non-violent
means."
In an interview
with USINFO on the day of the ceremony, Williams said, "The
award is a great honour, but the real award will be a free and independent
Zimbabwe."
She went on
to say that she feels empowered, despite the harassment, because
WOZA's strength lies in its community members "who have ownership"
in the organization. "It is because of our united struggle,
hand in hand, that we are going to get the Zimbabwe we want,"
she said.
WOZA would like
to congratulate Jenni on receiving this award and continue to be
inspired by her strength and leadership.
"
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