As ecumenical organisations gathered at the session chaired by Yinda, the group reflected on the current political talks being held by Zimbabwe's opposition MDC and President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party.

“Women are frustrated. There are no women in the negotiation teams. It is important at this time we are in solidarity with the women and girls of Zimbabwe’, said Yinda.

Arnold Tsunga, Africa Programme Director for the International Commission of Jurists attended the discussion and confirmed fears that torture and violence in Zimbabwe had not stopped. ‘ I have recently come back from Zimbabwe where I visited a hospital. I met a young woman who had been raped by 32 militia. She is unable to identify the perpetrators as she has suffered such severe trauma from the experience,’ said Tsunga.

As Tsunga reflected on the diplomatic events unfolding in Zimbabwe, he expressed dismay that civil society had been excluded from the current political talks. “Negotiations are an exclusive process despite Zimbabwe civil society asking to be involved from the beginning. People are desperate for progress’, said Tsunga.

Martin Okumu-Masiga, Senior Legal Officer for the Africa Programme of the International Commission of Jurists also commented on the exclusion of civil society from negotiations. “ Civil society is the best vehicle to ensure issues like impunity, rights of internally displaced people, food shortages and violence are addressed.”

Okumu-Masiga hopes the outcome of the talks reflect the will of the people. “ As long as you know you can steal an election, incumbents in Africa will continue to do so. The outcome must represent that voters voted for one specific party otherwise democracy on the whole African continent could be undermined.”

The YWCA of Zimbabwe recently sent letters to both political party leaders asking them to remember women and girls as they negotiate a deal to resolve the current crisis. “"We wish to let you know that we hardly sleep as we ponder on the daily needs of families that we care for; food clothing, blankets, sanitary wear, shelter, medication, soap, petroleum jelly and electricity. These are the basics of life."

The tray lunches have been an initiative of the World YWCA and the World Student Christian Federation and although they will not resume until September, both organisations will continue their advocacy work for peace with justice in Zimbabwe. “ We are happy talks are taking place but we must continue to address the critical issues affecting the women of Zimbabwe,’ said Yinda.

Related Links

• YWCA of Zimbabwe asks President Mugabe to remember women and girls as talks begin
• World YWCA and WSCF mark Zimbabwe 'elections' with a peace vigil outside United Nations
• YWCA of Zimbabwe targeted by youth militia as crisis deepens
• Zimbabweans share grim reality at Human Rights Council
• Churches worldwide asked to pray for Zimbabwe
• Its an Emergency: Stop the Violence and Protect Women and Girls Now
• Women and Girls Live with Intimidation as Zimbabwe Teeters on the Edge