John Read, Director of Corporate Affairs at the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) met Jenni Williams from Woza (Women of Zimbabwe Arise), at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Monday 12 January 2004. At this meeting, Jenni explained about the beatings she had received at the hands of the Mugabe regime.

Jenni Williams (left) checking out the various cricket trophies in the ECB reception hall, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Jenni met to discuss the Zimbabwe human rights issue, ahead of the ECB decision on the Zimbabwe 2004 Cricket Tour which is expected on Wednesday 25 February. Update: the final decision has been postponed until after an ECB meeting with the ICC in early March 2004.

What is WOZA? WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE ARISE - WOZA is a Zulu word meaning ‘Come forward’. WOZA was formed as a women’s civic movement to: provide women, from all walks of life with a united voice to speak out on issues affecting their day-to-day lives. Empower female leadership that will lead community involvement in finding solutions to the current crisis in Zimbabwe. Encourage women to stand up for their rights and freedoms. Lobbying and advocacy on those issues affecting women.
What does WOZA do? Key activities of WOZA . Non-violent civil defiance actions such as the Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day street protests. Lobbying and Advocacy meetings. Empowerment of women on their rights and access to resources. WOZA also encourages members to provide humanitarian assistance to their community - helping the sick, aged and orphans.
How does one become a member of WOZA? Membership in WOZA is based on volunteerism at present.
What are the values WOZA was formed to abide by? The values are: Freedom of expression and assembly / Transparency and accountability of members and others / Dignity of women / A voice of reason and truth for women / Public action / Non-violence to show the rest of the community that the situation can be solved peacefully / Solidarity with like-minded women / God fearing multi-religious / God fearing / Non-partisanship and Democratic participation / Tolerance / Show and develop courage in the homes and communities.
How can I help WOZA? If you wish to help by providing donations in cash or kind
please email: wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com

SUPPORT THE BRAVE WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE ON VALENTINES DAY!
In 2003 WOZA – Women of Zimbabwe Arise gained widespread recognition for their courageous and inspiring actions drawing attention to the many injustices currently suffered by ordinary Zimbabweans. In 2004 WOZA will be continuing their actions beginning with a Valentine’s day march calling for love and peace in a land of violent repression.
Sympathisers in the UK will be supporting their stand for freedom of speech by staging a simultaneous demonstration outside Zimbabwe House, 429 Strand in London. While our sisters in Zimbabwe risk beatings and imprisonment for speaking out against the repressive regime, we ask only for a few hours of your time to help bring the WOZA message home.
For more information e-mail: wozauk2004@yahoo.co.uk

JOIN US ON SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2004 AT 11.30AM
ZIMBABWE HOUSE, 429 STRAND, LONDON WC1

NEWS EXTRA: A follow-on constructive meeting was held on Friday 23rd January 2004 between Richard Bevan from the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Dr Brighton Chireka spokesperson for both MDC UK plus ‘Stop The Suffering In Zimbabwe’ campaign. PCA website: www.cricnet.com

The ICC have been approached for a similar meeting with Dr Chireka but have so far declined.

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