Human Rights Watch: Zimbabwe 2011

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 Geography of Women's Economic Opportunity

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.

This eye-opening article explores the Geography of Women’s Economic Opportunity. 

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.     

Changes are coming!

Hi there!  Guess what?  Things at Zimbags are changing this year.  We are excited to start sharing these changes with you soon.  Keep your eyes open for new and exciting things.  

The image above is just one hint at the awesomeness ahead.  We have also joined Twitter!  Come follow us to learn about what's happening with Zimbags.  

It's 2012 -- Zimbags 5th year in operation, celebrate along with us this year as we grow and change.
 

We Heart Jumo!

Do you have a Facebook? I'm going to venture a guess that you do. Well, now you can follow an issue or project (like Zimbags!)

Jumo was created by a Facebook co-founder and makes it easy for you get involved in changing the world. Jumo believes "together we can speed the pace of global change." We like that.

The idea is simple. You find, follow, support.

How can you sign up and start following causes that interest you? It's easy.

1. Go to jumo.com.
2. Sign in with your existing Facebook account or create one.
3. Search for the issues and projects that interest you (like Zimbags!)

4. Stay informed with updates, donate your time or money or skills, and get involved in a community that cares.

Jumo mean "to come together" in Yoruba. With so many people on Facebook so much of the time... we think it's pretty great that they are looking for ways to connect people over important issues.

So while you are clicking around on Facebook today, how about joining Jumo and following Zimbags.

Happy Friday!

-The Happy Bag Elves

The March for Love.

Every year the people of WOZA march on Valentine's Day in peaceful protest. This year was the ninth year and over a thousand people showed up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to march for peace.

From WOZA's website:

"AT 10am, five simultaneous protests began in different locations in downtown Bulawayo. One thousand eight hundred women and men, members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) turned out for the ninth edition of the Valentines Day protests, the biggest protest since WOZA these protests began in 2003. The target of the peaceful protest, the offices of The Chronicle newspaper with the objective of testing if there is free media or state propaganda remains entrenched. The huge mass of singing protestors completely closed off 9th avenue for over 30 minutes.

The second group arriving at The chronicle at 10:15 am 12 Feb 2011.

The men and women aged from 17 to 93 years old, sang songs as they marched and handed out hundreds of red roses, specially prepared Valentine Cards and the Woza Moya (Come healing wind) Newsletter bearing the top ten point on constitutional reform and on the Inclusive Government. Although different songs were sung by the marching formations, one song was featured at The Chronicle offices - ‘Why are Zimbabweans populating other countries - why is that?’ The chorus answers was mentioning the instances of political violence in which people have died forcing people to flee to other countries for their better survival.

A police vehicle arrived on the scene and three plain clothed officers (in striped dresscode, so easily recognisable) went into the protest demanding cards and newsletters. They then started to make their way to the front of the protest making for leaders Williams and Mahlangu but fortunately it was at that point that the protest dispersal slogan was being shouted and people were turning away to go home. Williams and Mahlangu were swept along with the dispersing masses. All that was left was for the three officers to gather up the placards, cards and red roses left for them.

A police BMW vehicle attempted to disperse another protest just after they began by dangerously driving through the protest. Police Officers of the Riot squad came upon some dispersing members at Jason Moyo Avenue and jumped from their vehicle to try to quicken the dispersing activists. A vehicle full of Riot police was also seen at the bus terminus after the protest monitoring the movement of commuters.

The singing of songs was so well coordinated that several bystanders thought WOZA should form a choir. Another bystander commented ‘please can they say their message well so maybe things can change in Zimbabwe’. Many cars hooted and stopped to get their copies of cards and roses."

-The Happy Bag Elves

"My Rights. My Struggle." Amnesty International Exhibition

The "My Rights. My Struggle." exhibition is a testament to the extraordinary bravery and determination of ordinary Zimbabweans defending their rights. Originating in South Africa in 2008 and visiting several African countries, the exhibition compellingly illustrates the continuing need for action in Zimbabwe.

Amnesty International first brought this photo exhibition to the United States in early 2009 and is now available on line. Listen as human rights defenders describe in audio interviews the challenges they confront. Hear what keeps them motivated in the face of such adversity. Allow their voices to inspire you to speak out as well for an end to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

Check out the stories of these incredible Zimbabweans and how they have fought for their rights.

-The Happy Bag Elves

A Step in the Right Direction is a Reason to Dance.

Researchers look to Zimbabwe for ways to reduce the HIV/AIDS infection rate elsewhere. There has been as steep decline in the infection rate from 1997 to 2007 and researchers are looking for the reasons why.

The examination of why HIV prevalence in the country fell from 29 percent in 1997 to 16 percent in 2007 was carried out by epidemiologists at Imperial College, London, and Harvard University School of Public Health, Cambridge, in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health, the UN Population Fund and UNAIDS.

Though HIV prevalence remains high by African standards, the fall in HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe is the largest seen anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers said.

"Very few other countries around the world have seen reductions in HIV infection, and of all African nations Zimbabwe was thought least likely to see such a turnaround. This is why there was such an urgent need to understand its direct and underlying causes."

In diminishing conditions on nearly every level, Zimbabwe has made huge strides in reducing the infection rate -- think of what this could mean for other countries in similar situations...what hope!!

-The Happy Bag Elves

Happy Holidays from Zimbags

Hello there! We are sure you are in the full-on holiday swing of things. And we are too! Hanging ornaments, eating too much, bundling up, and enjoying time with friends and family.

We hope that you have a happy holidays this year. We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for Zimbags.

We will be taking a holiday break from the Zimblog until the New Year (sometimes we get jealous that kids don't have to school). But that doesn't mean we won't still be selling Zimbags in our webstore. We are still the Happy Bag Elves and will still be working hard to Bag Poverty. Will you join us? Make 2011 the year we bring hope in droves to the women and children in Zimbabwe.

Check back in the New Year for new products, new sales, and new adventures with Zimbags.

What's Up: Zimbabwe

Photo via Reuters

Thanks to The Economist, Zimbabwe has been making it into the news recently.

These two articles have proposed some ways to deal with the political situation and explain the current climate of the once thriving country:

Call Robert Mugabe's Bluff

Can Robert Mugabe Ever Be Persuaded to Give Up?


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!

Ten Thousand Villages
This great fair trade store offers products from all over the world. Check out these beautiful dolls made in Zimbabwe.


There are solutions! Sometimes it is as simple as making more intentional purchases when shopping.

Have a great day,
The Happy Bag Elves