ROHR Zimbabwe - WOJA - TWOCO - Petition Submission 15th September 2017

Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe partnered with Women of Justice Arise on the 15th of September in a protest against rape being used as a weapon of intimidation by the ZANU PF regime in the 2018 Zimbabwean Elections.

In Attendance (Representing Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe):

Nicolate Gwati, Tsungirirayi Kahiya, Grayson Petros, Weston Mupfururirwa, Mary Muteyerwa, Lynette Chivizhe, Lillian Nleya, Patricia Chingozha, Bridgette Mupotsa, Salome Nkiwane, Namatirai Angela Sithole and Magdeline Moyo

The demonstration started with activists meeting at Parliament Square in Westminster, the activists gathered representing various U.K. based Zimbabwean Human Rights Organisations namely: Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe (ROHR Zimbabwe), Women of Justice Arise (WOJA), Tawananyasha Widows and Orphans Christian Organisation (TWOCO). The protest moved onto 10 Downing Street where the activists proceeded with the handing over of a signed petition addressed to Lord Ahmad, requesting the U.K. government of Theresa May to intervene on political violence against women in Zimbabwe.

The petition was handed over at 10 Downing Street by representatives of TWOCO, WOJA, ROHR Zimbabwe. The representatives of these organisations where: Deborah Jandles, Beverly Mutandiro, Lean Jean Mushuku and Nicolate Shungu Gwati. The petition was signed by women and is for women. Rape is physically and emotionally destructive not only to the victims but also to their families and the communities that they belong to. ROHR Zimbabwe strongly condemns the raping of women and our hope is that the petition that was presented would enable the UK government to intervene to ensure there is a free and fair election in 2018, where women are free to vote for any party they choose without being intimidated.

From 10 Downing Street, the activists moved on to the South African Embassy before finally ending up at the Zimbabwe Embassy – continuing with their peaceful demonstration to create awareness amongst the British Public of the atrocities being committed by the ZANU PF government against women in Zimbabwe, with countries like South Africa not taking action to assist the Zimbabwean women.

Report typed by: Nicolate Gwati

Secretary ROHR Zimbabwe UK Chapter Midlands Branch