Patricia Chinyoka founded the Care for Someone Charity in 2001, with the mission and charitable objective to ensure those suffering from disadvantages in life have access to education and training opportunities to help them realise their full potential. Women of Zimbabwe (WoZ) is a project of this charity.

The empowerment and autonomy of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is essential for the achievement of sustainable development. Many women face threats to their lives, health, and well-being as a result of their lack of power and influence.

Women are also more likely to have a persistent low income compared to men. Living in poverty denies many women the opportunity to build up savings and assets to fall back on in times of hardship. WoZ is fully aware that achieving change requires policy and programme actions that will improve women’s access to secure livelihoods and economic resources. Patricia advocates that ‘everyone must have equal rights to participate in education, society, economy and politically regardless of their gender or background.’

COVID-19 and impact on women

It is well documented that women are already bearing the brunt of the economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic; this is far worse for women in Zimbabwe who rely mainly on the informal sector to earn a living. Their situation is further compounded by multiple factors such as the political landscape, a collapsed economy, no jobs, lack of access to basic essentials such as clean water, access to healthcare and a patriarchal culture.

Most of the women asking for charitable help sell vegetables, second-hand clothing, groceries and often travel to neighbouring countries to import goods such as South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique. The lockdown restrictions mean that they are unable to make these journeys and therefore cannot earn their usual income.

Human rights and gender equality in Zimbabwe

Ending all discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it’s also crucial for sustainable future; it’s proven that empowering women and girls helps economic growth and development. The political landscape in Zimbabwe makes it particularly challenging for women who are often discriminated against and suffer domestic violence at home and externally. In the political arena, sexual violence is used as a weapon of war to intimidate and silence dissenting voices by the ruling party Zanu PF which has been in power since 1980 and led by Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa current President. 

Added to this are the challenges of poor governance, a dictatorship government that has rigged all elections in the last 15 years, a collapsed economy, no jobs and corrupt government officials. The majority of the population depend on informal sector and women bear the brunt of hardships.

Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC Alliance) opposition

The country’s main opposition party, MDC Alliance faces extreme challenges in Zimbabwe. Elections are fraught with rigging with the main ruling party, Zanu PF using partisan food distribution to win over the electorate. The opposition also find it difficult to hold rallies or to function effectively due to continued harassment, arrests and illegal detentions, members of this party are often fighting frivolous court cases as a result. 

Arrest, abduction, torture & sexual assault of 3 female politicians

On 13th May 2020 3 MDC Alliance female politicians participated in a demonstration in Warren Park, Harare against the Zimbabwe government’s poor handling of COVID-19 which has left many vulnerable families going hungry and without any means to support themselves.  The lockdown restrictions meant that people were unable to sell therefore could not earn money and many families have been struggling to feed their families.

The 3 female politicians namely Joana Mamombe, MP Harare West and 2 MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Leaders, Celia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were arrested following their participation at this demonstration.

The trio had been arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police at a Police roadblock near the Harare showgrounds, they were initially detained at Harare Central Police Station, who it is believed handed them over to the Zimbabwe State Security Agents who abducted them, drove them to a remote location and held them for 48 hours subjecting them to torture and sexual assaults. They were then dumped in the middle of nowhere and left to find their way to safety.

The 3 politicians were hospitalised and whilst there, were guarded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Army further intimidating them into silence. Whilst in hospital, the 3 women were arrested and charged with contravening of Section 37 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act as well as Section 5(3) and (1)of Statutory Instrument 99 /20 the COVID-19 Regulations.  This was a callous and insensitive action by the Police in charging the 3 women whilst still recovering from their injuries. The women have been in hospital since 15th May.

Court session in hospital

But worse was to come, a court session was convened in hospital on 27th May at which they were remanded in custody, given prison uniforms to wear and chained to their beds. Meanwhile their perpetrators have not been arrested and the government has declined any knowledge of the abductors instead referring to the incident as carried out by a ‘third force’. The women’s personal belongings including a car were confiscated by the Police who are refusing to return them, furthermore, they need money in order to meet their hospital bills and other incidentals. The women are still in hospital

Their story was covered by Channel 4, 7pm news on 27th May 2020. As I write no arrests have been made instead the women are being persecuted and threatened with long jail sentences.

Despite international pressure, Zimbabwe continues to perpetrate human rights abuses. It is time that we accelerate our fight and urge other Gender equality, Feminist and Women’s empowerment groups to stand with us. The women who live in Zimbabwe are terrified and at risk if they openly voice out criticism of the dictatorship regime led by ED Mnangagwa. We fear for the lives of Joana Mamombe, Cecillia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.  Zanu PF is known for abductions and disappearances.

WoZ are fundraising to support the 3 politicians, any help will be appreciated. Please visit our parent organisation, Care for Someone charity to donate ref: MDCA3

There are many other cases of rape, between 12-24 January 2019, 50 women were reportedly raped by Zimbabwe State Security agents following mass demonstrations against fuel price increases on 12th January. No arrests have been made, and no one has been held accountable instead the women some who were interviewed by international press were silenced and threatened with jail sentences if they spoke out again.

The purpose of the Women of Zimbabwe group is two-fold: Gender equality & Women’s empowerment through mentoring, raising awareness of gender & human rights, advice & funding for projects in order to empower the women in such a way that they have knowledge, skills and confidence to create change to support them fulfill their potential and be able to earn a living.

Patricia was inspired to launch Women of Zimbabwe by these stories coming from women who were asking for help in the form of food aid as well as mentoring to help them start their own businesses during COVID-19.

Please visit WoZ Facebook to find out how you can get involved.

Twitter - @WomenofZimbabwe
Facebook - @WomenofZim
Website - careforsomeone.org.uk
Contact - info@careforsomeone.org.uk