The
Human Rights Watch released their World Report 2012, which summarizes the
events of 2011. Below are some of the
categories they write about and the atrocities taking place. For a complete view of 2011, read the entire
report here.
Politics
After
a period of relative calm, 2011 saw an increase in politically motivated
violence across the country.
Police
and prosecutors have been highly partisan and biased in their investigations
and prosecution of acts of violence between supporters of the two parties.
Groups allied to ZANU-PF continue to beat and intimidate citizens in the
high-density suburbs of Harare with impunity, while MDC activists accused of
violence are disproportionately arrested.
Human
Rights Activists & Freedom of Expression
The
Zimbabwean authorities continue to use repression and intimidation to silence
human rights advocates and to prevent them from exposing abuses and promoting
respect for human rights.
On
September 21, police arrested 12 activists from the organization Women of Zimbabwe
Arise (WOZA) during a peaceful march commemorating the international day of
peace. Ten of the activists were released without charge but two leaders of the
organization, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, spent 13 days in custody.
There
continue to be serious limits on the rights to freedom of expression and
information in Zimbabwe, particularly in the form of threats of closure of
independent media organizations, as well as the intimidation, arbitrary arrest,
and criminal prosecution of journalists. The government’s actions seem
primarily designed to inhibit criticism of government officials and
institutions, and to muzzle reporting and commentary on the political situation
in the country.
Diamonds
While
violence has decreased in the Marange diamond fields over the past year, Human
Rights Watch research in June found that Zimbabwe police and private security
guards employed by mining companies in the Marange diamond fields were
implicated in abuses against local unlicensed miners. Private security guards
working with the police routinely beat and set dogs to attack and maul local
miners who stray into areas of the fields controlled by the companies. During
patrols, police also fired live ammunition at miners as they fled the fields.
Interaction
with the World
The United Nations Human
Rights Council’s first Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe took place in
October 2011. Zimbabwe rebuffed at the outset all recommendations pertaining to
investigating allegations of violations, combating impunity, and bolstering
protection in the Marange region, and related to freedoms of assembly and
expression, including repealing or amending the POSA.
Due to the absence of
meaningful human rights improvements, the European Union and United States have
maintained targeted sanctions on Mugabe and others within his government.
As elections still loom in
2012, political violence is sure to rise, human rights activists and
journalists will most likely face more oppression, and Zimbabweans will bear
the brunt of the uncertainty. It’s
important to let the government in Zimbabwe know the world is watching and we want to see their incredible potential work for positive change.
The treatment of women reflects a society’s commitment
to equality and social justice. But it also reflects its ability to harness
human capital, advance to innovative frontiers and generate higher levels of
economic prosperity for all members.
Most Zimbabweans have few economic
opportunities, but women face more barriers than men. And they are often the ones left to provide
for children, parents, and other relatives.
This map shows how countries rank in
Gender Equity:
Do you see Zimbabwe?
It’s there, in the gold color, inside the black circle. Zimbabwe scores very low in education,
economic participation, and empowerment of women. On all of the maps in this study, one thing is clear: "ocieties which emphasize tolerance, individual autonomy and
self-expression over hierarchical, authoritarian values also have higher
levels of economic development." For countries to prosper, they must encourage
the participation of women in the business environment. We believe that women are the key to economic
and societal success. The women of
Zimbags are proving that one bag at a time.
Since we work in Zimbabwe, we are particularly interested in the girls and women of Africa and how they can change the world. When you educate a girl in Africa she is less likely to get HIV/AIDS, she is more likely to have a small and healthy family, she will earn much more money and be able to pass those benefits onto her children.
A woman can end the cycle of poverty. That's why we choose to work with women artists in Zimbabwe. The women of Zimbabwe often care for many children and live on less than $1 a day. They are often unable to pay for school for their children and struggle to pay for food and medical care.
So today, please consider purchasing from Zimbags and support a woman artist in Zimbabwe who are working hard to break the cycle of poverty with their children. Celebrate the strength and courage of women by supporting some incredible artists in Zimbabwe!
And we have made it even easier for you by offering 10% off any Zimbag featuring artwork of women.
Tomorrow, a new month begins. March. The march toward spring. And hopefully this sale will put a spring in your step (very punny, huh?).
March 8th is International Women's Day (more on that later), so for the whole month of March all Zimbags with artwork featuring women are 10%. Get your Zimbag, support women artists, and celebrate International Women's Day! The bags included are the folding Zimshopper, the Zimshopper, the Zimtote, and the Zimblack tote. The art on your bag will look something like these:
Two things that go nearly everywhere with me: my shoes and a bag. And usually, that bag is a Zimbag and those shoes are TOMS. Today was no different. I went to the post office and grabbed some Friday morning coffees for me and Mr. Happy Bag Elf #1 and my TOMS took me there and my Zimbag carried all my stuff: keys, wallet, book, 2 coffee mugs, cell phone, and lots of other random things. TOMS are unbelievably comfortable. And if you know me, you know that I am lazy about fashion. The more comfortable and easy it is to wear, the better. Bonus points if it happens to be cute. TOMS fit all those categories: comfortable, easy to wear, cute ... annnnnd, for every pair of TOMS you buy, they give a pair to a child in need. That is incredible. It makes me walk a little happy, bouncy walk.
I wear my pair of gray ones all the time. And they have held up like champs. The other day they took me on a bike ride to the bus, on the bus, walking around Seattle all day, and to martinis and dinner with the other (beautiful) Happy Bag Elf. And the best part: they were still comfortable at the end of the day. I love knowing that a little kid somewhere is running around in a pair of shoes just like mine just because I bought a pair. They have pairs for men, women, and the little ones... so many styles and colors to choose from, and every pair is comfortable and cute.
I have had this pair for over a year and as you can see in the photo, they are starting to fade and I have beat them up pretty badly, so I am starting to think about getting a new pair. I am leaning toward the "Love is the New Black" pair in Navy Blue..... Do you own a pair? Which are your favorite?
We heart TOMS! We also love weekends.... have a great weekend!
Hi from Washington DC! We are here visiting our friend and the reason Zimbags exists, Sadie. We will also be picking up a new shipment of art from Zimbabwe. We are excited to see what the box holds!
While we are here in DC, enjoying the mild weather that the rest of the east coast wishes they had, here are some news updates for you to check out:
Happy New Year to you! A lot of us are busy making New Year's Resolutions for the year. With a new calendar comes a fresh start to be better versions of ourselves. We want to give you a few ways Zimbags can help with your resolutions.
Here are 11 ways Zimbags can help in the New Year....
1.Get in shape. Use a ZIMtote or ZIMblack tote to carry your workout clothes, yoga mat, running shoes, and water bottle to the gym.
2.Keep working out! Wear your ZIMshirt out on your run or walk.... get a good workout and show off your rocking style and body. Or take your ZIMchalk bag to the climbing gym to show people how you can hang from a rock by one finger.... and in style while helping women half-way around the world.
3. Do what matters, spend time with family. Spend more time with your baby cuddled up in his or her cute ZIMonsie! Or make dinner with your honey and serve it on a ZIMtablecloth. Or cuddle up on the couch and admire your beautiful, new ZIMwall hanging. Or pack lunches with the little ones the night before school in their ZIMlunch mini (napkin notes with lots of hearts are especially fun!).
4.Spend time with friends. Bring dinner and wine from the market to your friends in the spacious ZIMshopper. Send a faraway friend a note on a ZIMbag card to let them know you are thinking of them.
5. Eat better. Pack your ZIMmarket mini full of yummy veggies and fruits. And then carry them all home in your ZIMfolding shopper.
6.Learn something new. Pull your glasses out of your ZIMpouch mini and read the news (and Zimblog). There is always something new to learn. And each Zimbags product comes with the story of one of the women artists...it's always great to read someone else's story, especially if you are helping them.
7.Get organized. Write your lists in a ZIMjournal, keep a ZIMfolding shopper in your purse so you don't forget your reusable bags, and keep your coupons tidy in a ZIMpouch mini.
8.Save money. Use any of your reusable Zimbags to get discounts a discount at the grocery store, Target, IKEA, or many other stores. Choose to reuse and not use plastic and you are bringing down prices in the long run. If we get rid of the need for plastic bags, stores won't have to buy them.
9.Do something good for the planet. We work hard to bring you products that not only help you reduce the need for plastic and trash, but we work hard to keep our process environmentally friendly. All of our bags are made from recycled fibers or plastics or are organic. The paper we print our tags, invoices, and information on is made from recycled paper bags and can be recycled when you are done with it. Each bag gives you the opportunity to say no to plastic bags. And if you give gifts in Zimbags, you reduce the amount of trash being produced. We believe every small step is important. So we try to focus on not only the big things, but the small things we can do to help. Find out more here.
10.Give great gifts. This year, make sure to give great gifts to those you love. Zimbags not only make wonderful gifts, they make meaningful gifts. And not just for the person you are giving them to, but to the women artists who make the beautiful artwork. Share Zimbags this year. And if you are shopping for one of your hard-to-shop-for friends, give a Zimbags gift certificate! There is something for everyone in our webstore.
11.Do something good for others. Share the Zimbags story with your friends and families. Each bag features the artwork of women artists in Zimbabwe and all of the proceeds go directly back to them. The women in Zimbabwe face extreme poverty, low life expectancies, and hardships that most of us can barely even imagine .... every purchase you make is a help in the lives of these women and their families. And we are always looking for volunteers and donations to help. If your resolution is to help others, you're in the right place!
The winner of the November giveaway is Erin F.! She submitted pictures of her adorable daughter in the Zimonsie (Rhino Love) and the random number generator picked her as the winner of a $25.00 gift certificate.
We loved reading all your entries! Thank you for telling and showing us how you use your Zimbags products. Even though there isn't a giveaway right now, keep those pictures and stories rolling. We love to hear from you.
And here are the adorable pictures of Erin's baby girl sporting her Zimonsie:
Don't you just want to cuddle her?! What's cuter than a baby helping others by wearing a loving rhino? You can help to bag poverty too, visit the Zimbags website to learn more and shop!
The Christian Science Monitor has a 3 page article online about the possibility of the "unified" government unraveling and early elections taking place in Zimbabwe, still without a constitution. They write that the current state of things is "reminiscent of the violent 2008 elections" and that "Even if elections are held and Mugabe loses, analysts say, it's unlikely that Mugabe will allow a new president to replace him."
We try to be optimistic and hopeful, but it seems like the bandaid that has been (barely) covering this fatal wound is being ripped off.
***
It says something about the current state of Zimbabwe that the journalist who wrote this article had his/her identity "withheld due to security concerns."
***
Though we may not be able to change those in power, we can help those who are under that power. The women artists we work with live with all of this going on around them. Their work allows them the money they need to survive in such turbulence - in a country that has the highest inflation the world has ever seen, one of the lowest life expectancies, and a growing HIV infection rate. The extreme poverty, unemployment, the poor health -- all of these things are related to the current political climate of Zimbabwe.
***
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." -Mother Theresa
***
We believe in the power of helping one person. We believe that Zimbabwe has a bright future.
Everybody has a bag. On my trip into downtown Seattle this last weekend I paid attention to the bags that were all around me. There was the Seattle Symphony bag, the King County Library System bag, the bag that said LOVE, the cute tote that had different kinds of mustaches all over it, the bag with yoga silhouettes, and countless others. And my bag? Well, it was a Zimbag. ((A new kind that we haven't even introduced you to yet and I was 'testing' out, but more on that later.))
3 and a half years ago, Lauren and I decided to make putting an end to extreme poverty in Zimbabwe our bag. We hired women artists in Zimbabwe to create artwork for reusable bags and started sewing the artwork to the bags. It wasn't an easy start and we have been learning as we go (see: English major & History major take on the business world), but we have watched as 7"x7" inch sadza artwork from Zimbabwe gets sewn on to bags and stamped with the ZimbagsZ or the phrase "bag poverty" and given a tag with the story of a woman artist we work with. And we have watched Zimbags go out into the world. Every time we sell a bag it is a new thrill, because we know that is more money to go back to purchasing artwork from the women in Zimbabwe, but also because we know that bag can tell a story. That bag has an important history. And right now, the story is a bit grim.
We don't want to bury you in statistics and sad stories, but 30 as a life expectancy is unacceptable. There won't be a Gallery 30 this year, but please consider supporting Zimbabwean women this holiday season. Make changing the outlook for women in Zimbabwe your bag. Tell the story of these women artists by carrying one of their bags.
Always,
Meghan & Lauren The Happy (sometimes sad, but always hopeful) Bag Elves
PS -- And don't forget to email us your entries for the November giveaway! (contact@zimbags.org)
Here at Zimbags, we love November. The leaves are changing colors and falling off the trees, we have bowls full of candy from Halloween, apples are everywhere, the air is crisp, Thanksgiving is on its way, annnnnnnnnd its time for a giveaway! We are giving away a $25 gift certificate to shop in the Zimbags webstore.
It's easy to enter. Just email us a picture of you with your Zimbag (or Zimbag product), a short story of what you use your Zimbag for or where you've taken it, or a few sentences letting us know how you would use your Zimbag if you had one. You can email us contact@zimbags.org or leave us a comment on this post.
You have the whole month of November to share your stories and pictures with us for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! At the end of November we will choose a winner at random and share pictures and stories here on the Zimblog.
We are so excited to give away this gift certificate so make sure to email us your entries at contact@zimbags.org!
"There is no away...." This is the premise of Bag It. We use plastic because it is "disposable," but that doesn't mean it goes away.
Bag It: The Movie examines the impact of plastic on our world. Watch the trailer below to get a taste of what the movie is about.
I can't wait to see this film ... I see a plastics free popcorn & movie night in my future! Go here to schedule a screening for your community or to hear when the DVD will be available. And visit the Bag It blog for ideas on how you can be part of the move away from plastics.
At Zimbags we want to encourage people to eliminate their reliance on disposable (but not get-rid-able) bags. We offer beautiful solutions to this ugly problem. And on top of bagging the need for plastic bags we are also working to bag poverty. The proceeds from each bag go back to the women artists in Zimbabwe who are rising above extreme poverty. Visit our store to start your reusable collection. Join the bag revolution.
When you eliminate your use of plastic bags you help improve the environment, save money, and when you use Zimbags, you help women who are working to overcome extreme poverty.
For proof of the impact your reusable bag can make, check out this sign spotted at a Whole Foods in West Hartford, CT and seen on the EcoBags blog:
I truly believe that there is a solution to the problems facing Zimbabwe at the moment. And I think that it starts with the people. Of course, the government and police and economy need to be fixed. But while they are running in circles and dodging responsibility, we can help the people of Zimbabwe by supporting organizations doing work on the ground in Zimbabwe, buy products from artisans and craftsman in Zimbabwe, support students in Zimbabwe so that the next generation is educated and ready to lead their nation, and come up with new, creative, and sustainable solutions to the extreme poverty facing most Zimbabweans.
We can be a real part of the solution. Here are some great organizations that are doing work in Zimbabwe and how you can get involved:
Tariro Sponsor a girl student, make a donation towards school book and medical care, or simply sign up for their newsletter to stay informed and spread the word. Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) Purchase artwork by artists in Weya, Zimbabwe, volunteer, have a house party, or spread the word about their work.
EcoAfrica Check out their cool handmade paper and products!
Do you have enough reusable bags right now? Are you looking for some artwork for empty walls in your house? Do you need some beautiful colors and patterns for a quilt you are working on? Do you just want to own some hand painted Zimbabwean art? Well, now you can.
The same artwork that is featured on our Zimbags is now available on its own. Visit the Zimbags webstore to purchase yours today. Choose from Safari Animals, Cultural Scenes, or Traditional Designs (click here to see some of the artwork). The colors are vivid and bright and the paintings are all done in the Sadza technique.
Each piece is completely hand painted and original. No two are the same. And the proceeds from each 7" x 7" piece of artwork goes directly back to women artists in Zimbabwe who are overcoming extreme poverty. Your purchase helps provide sustainable jobs and income for women living and raising families on less than $1 a day.
What a great combo ... art and helping women.
Here are some of my favorite pieces:
Do you have a favorite? Share it with us!
When you order your Zimart, feel free to shoot us an email at contact@zimbags.org if you have a specific color or design you are itching to own. We will do our best to make it happen. As Happy Bag Elves, we love to grant wishes.
"By day Clint Borgen works the phone and the Internet at his tiny nonprofit in Pioneer Square, organizing volunteers, planning strategies and contacting legislators to raise the issue of global poverty."
"The 83 members arrested on Monday for a peaceful protest about community safety appeared in Harare Magistrate’s Court this morning charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 46, as read with Section 2(v) of the Third Schedule to the Criminal Code - ‘criminal nuisance’. It transpires that police decided to go with these charges instead of obstructing traffic. They were granted free bail and remanded out of custody to 6 October."
"Before the annual jamboree of speeches coming to the United Nations General Assembly this week, about 140 leaders are expected to sign off on a new agreement recommitting themselves to reaching the original development targets and goals, known collectively as the Millennium Development Goals, by 2015. They vary from empowering women to ensuring environmental sustainability."
The Girl Effect is an organization that believes that "If you want to end poverty and help the developing world, the best thing you can do is invest time, energy, and funding into adolescent girls. It's called the Girl Effect, because girls are uniquely capable of investing in their communities and making the world better." Visit their website here. And you can watch their powerful new video here.
We believe that being informed is the first step in change, so every Wednesday we are going to provide you with a few links, articles, studies, or stories that speak to the issues of poverty, women's rights around the world, environmental impact, and social change.
If you have a story or article you think we should share, feel free to email it to us at contact@zimbags.org or leave it in the comments. And if you have something to say about the articles, leave a comment and let your voice be heard. We love your voice!
Our set up at Zimfest.Wall Hangings and Tablecloths...
Patches and Sign-up Sheets....
Steven, the very happy helper! (Thanks, Steven!)
Ryan, another helpful man. (Thanks, Ryan!)
Zimfest 2010 was a huge success for Zimbags!Not only were sales great, we were able to spread the word about our wonderful women artists and the work we are doing.On top of that, we had fun.
The weather couldn’t have been better, the set up was perfect, the crowd was enthusiastic and encouraging, the music was fabulous, and dancing in the grass didn’t hurt.
We nearly sold out of onsies, zipped right through a bunch of our Zimbags Folding Shoppers and Zimarket Minis and sold at least a few of everything each day.And with each purchase, a woman’s story was told.We can’t tell you how important it is to us that we share the stories of these 5 incredible women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.We met people from all over the world with all sorts of ties to Zimbabwe and we were encouraged by their support and interest.
Thank you to all who came out and had fun with us.We hope to see you next year!And in the mean time, let’s continue to work together to spread the news about Zimbabwe and our women artists.Let’s join together to bag poverty.
Thanks,
The Happy Bag Elves
PS – Just because Zimfest is over this year doesn’t mean you can’t get your Zimbag!Visit our webstore or Etsy page to get your bag and become part of the Zimbag story.
It seems like every day is in honor of something – donuts, cheese, tall people, crazy hats.Rarely do I find myself interested in these days for more than amusement at the silly things we find to focus our attention on.But today was World Humanitarian Day and I think this deserves interest and examination.
August 19th was the day the UN decided to assign as World Humanitarian Day.This is only the 2nd official day honoring Humanitarians.(An interesting history of the day can be found here.)Huge strides have been made in calling attention to the incredible work done by men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others, but there is a long way to go in protecting, praising, and supporting these people and the people they choose to help.
A humanitarian is defined, by Webster, as one who promotes human welfare and social reform or having the interests of mankind at heart.
There is no special skill set outlined, no college degree required, no certification needed.All that is needed is a heart and a desire to help.With all of the hurt in this world, there is plenty of opportunity to promote human welfare.
This isn’t to say that everyone should go out and find a “cause” and devote their life to changing the wrongs (though there is certainly nothing wrong with that).I believe that any person can be a humanitarian everyday through the choices they make.
What would happen if we chose to buy gifts that support organizations working to right social injustice, poverty, medical issues, etc.?What if we chose to support(financially, physically, emotionally) those who have chosen to devote their entire life’s work to aiding those in need?What would happen?Change.
We each have the opportunity to become a humanitarian.We just need to take the interests of mankind to heart and act on those interests.
This day comes only once a year and serves as a powerful reminder of what people are doing around the world and what we can do on a daily basis to support them and the people they serve.