YWCA Initiatives on Zimbabwe

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I write to brief on the YWCA movement response to the tragedy in Zimbabwe, especially at a moment when we face an escalation of violence, increase in fear and intimidation and erosion of all freedoms. As in any other crisis, women and children bear the brunt of the violence while at the same time their voice is marginalized to the periphery of the political discussions in search of a solution. I share this with a heavy on the eve of 27th of June.

The YWCA Movement been actively involved in the protection of women 's rights and their leadership pre-election and currently at the national, regional and international levels.

The initiatives carried out by YWCA include:

* World YWCA and WSCF mark Zimbabwe 'elections' with a peace vigil outside United Nations
On a day where Zimbabweans are heading to the polls surrounded by escalating violence and human rights abuses, the World YWCA and World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) held a vigil for justice, peace and healing in Zimbabwe outside the Palais de Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
* World YWCA presents declaration on Zimbabwe at 12th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in Egypt
The World YWCA attended the 12th Pre-Summit Consultative Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in the African Union in Sharm el Sheikh, in Egypt, on the margins of the 11th Summit of the African Union.
* Canada urges UN and African Union to protect women and girls in Zimbabwe
Canada's largest multi-service organization by, for and about women and girls urges United Nations and African Union to protect women and girls amidst the growing violence in Zimbabwe.
* Zimbabweans share grim reality at Human Rights Council
The World YWCA hosted a round table discussion on Zimbabwe with the theme ‘The Role of Women and Young People in Building a Culture of Human Rights in Post-Election Situations' at the ongoing Human Rights Council in Geneva on June 12. The discussion aimed to address the violence situation in Zimbabwe and explored concrete ways to engage women and young people to end violence and ensure free participation of people in the run off elections on June 27.
* It's an emergency: Stop the violence and protect women and girls now
A number of NGOs released a statement that urgently calls for an end to the violence in Zimbabwe and for the protection of women and girls in this post election catastrophe.
* Churches worldwide asked to pray for Zimbabwe
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has invited churches worldwide to celebrate a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on Sunday, June 22. The day of prayer for Zimbabwe will take place a few days before run off elections have been scheduled for June 27.

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