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Mother's Day and International Day of Families commemorations 2009
Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA)
May 08, 2009

Sunday 10th May marks Mothers Day celebrations and the 15th of May 2009 is International Day of Families whose theme this year "Mothers and Families: Challenges in a changing world". The Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association takes this time to urge all Zimbabweans to reflect on the important role of women and mothers in our society play to nurture families. Mothers carry this burden task and load despite the challenges they face doing what comes to them naturally, being mothers, the backbones of the family which is the fundamental unit of our society. We take this time to celebrate the role they play in shaping the destiny of their families, communities and the country at large.

Mothers Day was first celebrated in 1912 by Anna Jarvis. The Resolution to dedicating a Mother's Day was signed on May 8 1984 by former US President Woodrow Wilson. Jarvis's desire was that someday someone, must honour all mothers, living and dead and pay tribute to the contributions made by them. As we commemorate Mother's Day and International day of Families this year, ZWLA recalls on the struggles that Zimbabwean mothers have endured during the protracted Zimbabwean crisis. Mothers endured the political violence, the gross human rights violations that saw some losing their sons and daughters, the domestic violence in the families, the economic crises that saw hospitals and schools closing down, soaring food prices, food shortages, the water and electricity shortages, cholera to mention but a few of the catastrophes.

ZWLA looks to the future, to a new Zimbabwe where mothers in Zimbabwe can enjoy their human rights in accordance with the international human rights standards. We demand an answer to the weakening of social ties, the continued abuse of women and children through domestic violence, the arbitrary arrests of activists like Jestina Mukoko a mother, being separated from her child, the denial of basic rights such as medical care and education because mothers do not have enough money to pay for expensive services.

Celebrate women, celebrate mothers this year and grant them their voice and space to articulate their needs. Even as we look forward to the making of a new Constitution we reiterate the need for women to participate actively in its formulation and to ensure that their needs and aspirations are captured in the new Constitution.

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