The Zimbabwe Women’s Action Group (WAG) held a press conference on Tuesday to kick off its four months long campaign in celebration of their 40 year anniversary this October.
WAG was founded in 1983 following the arrest and incarceration of over 6 000 women who were found walking alone at night under Operation Clean up. 2023 therefore marks 40 years of service for the movement.
Since its establishment, WAG has thrived in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights in Zimbabwe. The organization has emphasized its determination to see a country with empowered women and girls, claiming and enjoying their rights in a situation of transformed power relations between women and men.
Running under the theme, “WAG at 40: We march on” , the 4-months long celebration campaign will feature various activities to reflect on the wins and losses in the journey travelled while also celebrating the gender equality champions.
WAG’s Executive Director, Edinah Masiyiwa highlighted some of the impressive progress that has been made thus far in women’s rights and how numerous norms and vices have shortchanged women’s rights.
Speaking to Identities Media, Ms Masiyiwa said as the campaign takes off, the organization is aware of the new challenges that are arising where women’s rights are concerned.
“We are seeing a lot of abuse as gender based violence is on the rise and adolescents as young as 9 years old are getting pregnant and being forced into early marriages”, she said.
WAG also noted with concern the issues surrounding unsafe abortions and the impact it has on women and vowed to look into it.
Add comment