Women of Zimbabwe Rise Against Sexual Violence

In 2008, political violence erupted throughout Zimbabwe as a result of highly contested national elections. Between May and July alone, local organizations estimate that state-sanctioned groups abducted, raped, tortured, and beat over 2,000 women and girls due to their political affiliations. Local police have ignored these women’s pleas for protection, justice, and accountability, and national leaders have been equally unresponsive. Hear Us – a video co-produced by Zimbabwean Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) and WITNESS – features four of these women who have come forward to demand justice from the Zimbabwean government and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Next month, the SADC summit is being held in Kinshasa from September 2-8 2009.  Help us collect 2,000 (or more!) messages of support to be delivered to SADC leaders at the summit.  Add your voice to the call for justice for the Zimbabwean women – sign our petition , record a video message , tweet the campaign , or leave a comment below.

Support the women of Zimbabwe by going to http://hub.witness.org/HearUsStandWithUs and adding your voice to the call for justice. Here are 5 ways to take action now:

Sign the petition calling for justice and accountability
Record a video message of support to be delivered to the leaders of SADC and the Zimbabwean government (we can help you do this via skype if that is easiest for you).
Ask your networks, friends and colleagues to support the campaign
Send a message to your followers on Twitter using the tag #HearUsZim
Spread the word on Facebook and YouTube

Even small things can make a big difference and your involvement is much needed and greatly appreciated.