In March last year, Zimbabweans displayed incredible courage and came out in large numbers to vote for change. Their action meant that Robert Mugabe and his ZANU PF party lost the elections. WOZA asked people to stand up for their child in 2008 and they did – the people of Zimbabwe took the step that was needed. It was not enough to carry us to the new Zimbabwe we dream of and voted for however.

Taking the Step in 2009
In 2009 Zimbabwe remains in the dark. Zimbabweans carry an even heavier burden and daily survival needs superhuman effort.

But WOZA realizes that we cannot keep complaining about how tough life is and DO nothing to change the situation!

If we want a better life, we need to do more than just complain. That is why at the beginning of 2009, WOZA is asking Zimbabweans to continue with the action that they took in March 2008.

This week Zimbabwe is supposed to get a new, inclusive government. After almost a year of no functioning government, we wait to see what they will do and hope that they will bring us the better life that we dream about. We look forward to having a government that will listen to people. But the inauguration of a unity government does not mean that we have achieved our goals or that life will immediately get better.

As Zimbabweans we cannot just sit back and wait quietly to see what this government will do. As citizens of this country, we have a right to say how we should be governed and what the priorities of the new government should be.

WOZA is therefore urging all Zimbabweans to stay focused on the dream of social justice for all – as outlined in WOZA’s People’s Charter. It is POSSIBLE to get to a new Zimbabwe. But we cannot give up before every child is in school and everyone has enough to eat. There is still a long road ahead and walking alone in the dark is tiring but it gets easier if you walk with others. If we let love light the way and walk together hand in hand, we can light the darkness and help our new government deliver the social justice we deserve.

Layitha ikhandlela libe linye kulokusola ubunyama – qhubeka
Baka kenduro rimwe panekusvora rima – yendera mberi
It is better to light a single candle than to complain about the darkness – take the step.

Ayifuni mina, ifuna thina – qhubeka
Kwete ndega, asi tose – yendera mberi
Together we can light the darkness – take the step – join WOZA today

Uthando luthando nxa kulezenzo – qhubeka
Rudo rudo kana kune zviito – yendera mberi
Love means action – take the step – join WOZA today

Solidarity actions
To demonstrate love in action and to literally light the darkness, WOZA is giving Zimbabweans candles and matches as part of the campaign to encourage them to take the step of joining the movement.

Giving or lighting candles is therefore something that friends and supporters around the world could do to also be part of the movement.

WOZA is delighted to know that solidarity events are being planned in London, Canada and South Africa for Valentine’s Day this year. If you are interested in knowing more details of these actions, please email us at wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com and we will direct you to the appropriate group. Alternatively, you could always organize your own solidarity action with the women of Zimbabwe on Saturday 14th February 2009.