SW Radio Africa (London)
Tererai Karimakwenda
19 March 2008
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) launched a report in Harare on Wednesday titled "The effects of fighting Repression with Love". It documents the experiences of their members over the last few years as they were arrested, assaulted, humiliated and tortured at the hands of state agents, particularly the police. Our Harare correspondent Simon Muchemwa attended the event, along with representatives from civil organisations and diplomats. He said some moments were very emotional as victims narrated their experiences.
Muchemwa said the report included the total numbers of reported incidents that involved branches of the police. According to these figures, there were 949 death threats made to WOZA members by the police since the group was founded, 832 incidents of assaults, 1,262 humiliating and degrading experiences, 647 reports of physical torture and 732 reports of mental torture.
Muchemwa said the victims became very emotional when they spoke of the humiliation they suffered at the hands of the police who often forced them to remove their underwear. He said it was a very difficult experience for them to describe in front of strangers at the launch. According to the report there were 267 incidents when the police forced women to do this.
The report covered incidents affecting WOZA members from 20 to over 40 years of age. Some were victimised while they were carrying babies on their backs. 48% of those victimised by police were married, 23% were single and 25% were widows.
Muchemwa said WOZA members who narrated painful stories said they felt even more determined to continue with their cause. WOZA officials also vowed that the group would remain peaceful, non-partisan and continue to fight for the rights of all Zimbabweans.
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