WOZA is pleased to announce that one of its founders, Jenni Williams, has been awarded an International Women of Courage Award by the US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice. Jenni accepted the award in Washington DC last week on behalf of the members of WOZA.
The award aims to honour the contributions of women in furthering the cause of freedom, justice, peace, and equality. Williams was one of 10 women honoured, having been chosen from 82 activists nominated by various US embassies around the world.
In announcing the award for Williams, the US State Department cited the “harassment and physical abuse” she suffered under President Robert Mugabe’s regime and commended her for “providing an example of courage and leadership by working for change through peaceful and non-violent means.”
In an interview with USINFO on the day of the ceremony, Williams said, “The award is a great honour, but the real award will be a free and independent Zimbabwe.â€
She went on to say that she feels empowered, despite the harassment, because WOZA’s strength lies in its community members “who have ownership” in the organization. “It is because of our united struggle, hand in hand, that we are going to get the Zimbabwe we want,” she said.
WOZA would like to congratulate Jenni on receiving this award and continue to be inspired by her strength and leadership.