ZIMBABWEAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AND MOVEMENT TO RECEIVE RFK AWARD AT WHITE HOUSE CEREMONY
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Jeffrey Buchanan, (202) 463-7575 ext 241
Washington, DC- Magodonga Mahlangu and her organization, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), will receive the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award at an evening ceremony to be held at the White House November 23rd, featuring remarks by President Barack Obama.
WOZA is a grassroots movement of over 60,000 Zimbabweans working throughout their country to empower women from all walks of life to mobilize and take non-violent action against injustice. Tens of thousands of women have joined WOZA in standing up for human rights and speaking up about the worsening economic, social and political conditions in Zimbabwe. Since its founding in December 2002, WOZA has staged more than 100 peaceful marches in support of democratic reform and women's empowerment. The Government of Zimbabwe has jailed Ms. Mahlangu and thousands of WOZA supporters many times for their participation.
Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy will present Ms. Mahlangu and Ms. Jenni Williams, accepting on behalf of WOZA, with the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in a ceremony on November 23rd, 2009 at 4pm at the White House. The event will also include remarks by Kerry Kennedy and a tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, an RFK Center founding board member from 1968-2009.
"I feel both great excitement for the recognition of my work with WOZA and sadness because although my work has gained recognition internationally, in my own country I have been labeled an enemy of the state," said Ms. Mahlangu. "Now I know I am not alone, the world is watching and one day Zimbabwe shall be a normal society - with the determination of the members of WOZA, anything is possible."
"In a country torn by violence and economic ruin, Magodonga Mahlangu and WOZA provide a desperately needed voice for the people of Zimbabwe and we were proud to select her and her organization for this prestigious award," said Gay McDougall, RFK Human Rights Award Judge and U.N. Independent Expert on Minority Issues.
"Magodonga and the members of WOZA's courageous and selfless struggle to defend human dignity sets a powerful example, not only for Zimbabwe, but for the entire world," said Claudio Grossman, RFK Human Rights Award Judge and Dean of American University's Washington College of Law.
Ms. Mahlangu coordinates WOZA's protests and helped create its signature style of peaceful, yet relentless actions. Ms. Mahlangu has been arrested over 30 times in the course of her work as a human rights defender. Along with WOZA founder Jenni Williams, she has led campaigns with WOZA supporters to address many of the most crucial human rights issues facing Zimbabwean women, including domestic violence and rape, the rights to food and education for children, and the rights to participation and association.
"Despite constant harassment and 2500 members spending time in police custody, WOZA members continue to build a grassroots movement to ensure that the voice of the people of Zimbabwe is central to determining the future of their country," said Monika Kalra Varma, Director of the RFK Center for Human Rights. "Today the RFK Center begins a partnership with Magodonga and WOZA to contribute to their efforts and stand up for the rights of all Zimbabweans."
For 41 years, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights (RFK Center) has worked for a more peaceful and just world. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor courageous and innovative human rights defenders throughout the world who stand up against injustice, often at great personal risk. The award includes a cash prize of $30,000 and on-going legal, advocacy and technical support through a partnership with the RFK Center. Winners are selected by an independent panel of human rights experts. The 2009 panel included Claudio Grossman; Gay McDougall; Makau Mutua, Dean of University at Buffalo Law School, The State University of New York; Sushma Raman, President of Southern California Grantmakers; Dr. William F. Schultz, Senior Fellow at Center for American Progress.
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