The World YWCA delegation consisted of Helene Yinda, Programme Director for Africa and the Middle East along with representatives from the YWCA of Egypt, YWCA of Zimbabwe, and the YWCA of Kenya. As part of the World YWCA s continuing advocacy work on Zimbabwe, the delegation facilitated a briefing session on the situation of women, girls and children in Zimbabwe. As a result, the African Women’s organisations and members of the Gender is my Agenda Campaign presented a declaration at the meeting urgently call for action to end the violence witnessed across Zimbabwe following the announcement of presidential election results of March 29.

12th Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the African Union: Declaration on Zimbabwe

We, the African Women’s Organisations and the members of the Gender is my Agenda Campaign present at the 12th pre-summit consultative meeting on gender mainstreaming in the African Union, in Sharm el sheikh, Egypt, 21-22 June 2008, prior to the 11th Summit Meeting of the Heads of State and Governments of the African Union, urgently call for action to end the violence witnessed across Zimbabwe following the post election first round catastrophe, and to take all steps to protect women, girls and children affected by the violence and to prevent a repeat of this violence in the upcoming June 27 Presidential Run-off and the post Presidential Run-off election period in Zimbabwe.

As a collective commitment, the African women present at this meeting, agree to undertake a Women Solidarity mission in support of Zimbabwe women following the Presidential Run-off. We further, call upon the African Union to undertake all measures necessary to:

Protect women and girls that were affected and displaced following the violence that engulfed the country after the March 2008 elections; and facilitate humanitarian access to people in need of basic livelihood items like food, shelter and medical services, and in this regard to call on the Government of Zimbabwe to review its ban on humanitarian organisations operating within the country.

Take on urgent and positive actions to ensure a violence-free Presidential Run-off election so that all Zimbabweans will be able to exercise their franchise in peace and security.

Request presidential candidates to run an election campaign in a peaceful and democratic manner in line with the AU Charter on Elections and Democracy, and to commit themselves to the promotion of peace and stability in the post election period.

Ensure the safety and protection of all Zimbabweans, in particular activists and guarantee their rights of participation in all aspects of life without fear.