Organised by World YWCA and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), panellists from the YWCA of Zimbabwe and the Girl Child Network in Zimbabwe spoke of the pain and suffering currently facing Zimbabweans in the post election violence that erupted after results of the March 29 presidential election were announced.

A panellist from the Student Christian Movement Zimbabwe (SCMZ), was unable to participate in the event after he was arrested, along with five other SCMZ staff, at their Harare headquarters on June 10. They are currently waiting to be released, and although they were not subject to torture, reported long hours of interrogation and intimidation by police.

As the women panellists explained the reality of life in rural Zimbabwe, it became clear that intimidation has become an accepted form of behaviour. “Everyone is in a position of fear. Some will not vote in the next election, and many who will vote won't be able to vote freely for fear of intimidation,” said the YWCA of Zimbabwe representative who volunteered as an observer in the March election.

Although volunteering as an election monitor should have been an empowering experience for her, and other women, who were trained as election observers through the YWCA of Zimbabwe, it has had the opposite effect. “ Now us women know how elections are run, and how Zimbabwe is ruled,” she admits.

Recent reports suggest more than 50 people have been killed in post election violence, and the panellist from the Girl Child Network said the human rights violations were accelerating daily. “ The right to life has been taken away. There is no right to choice, despite this being in the Zimbabwe constitution…but it’s not on the ground.”

She reported that what was happening at the grass roots level in Zimbabwe was particularly worrying for the girl child. “ The risk of sexual abuse is now so high. Children have been left behind as their parent’s flee. They don’t have a home and they don’t have food.”

A question and answer session, moderated by Reverend Dr. Sam Kobia, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches who urged the ecumenical world to express solidarity with Zimbabweans, explored likely scenarios after the presidential run off which is scheduled for June 27. “ We must speak out. We must unite and give this situation a push with prayer. We can’t do this with human strength alone,” said the representative from the Girl Child Network.

The World YWCA will continue their advocacy work on Zimbabwe as they call for an end to the violence against women and girls. In partnership with the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) and World Alliance of YMCAs, they will host a round table discussion on ‘The Role of Women and Young People in Building a Culture of Human Rights in Post-Election Situations: Focus on Zimbabwe’ at the 8th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on June 11. The roundtable aims to engage Member State delegations and NGO representatives in a dialogue to find constructive and active ways for women and young people to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in their communities during and after elections.

The World YWCA continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and advocates for an urgent and peaceful solution to the situation.

Related Links

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