“The power of love can conquer the love of power”
Send a Valentine's Day rose and message for the women of Zimbabwe
Video: Roses for Woza |
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| Watch a 1:27 minute video celebrating the work of WOZA and their appreciation for the support given by Amnesty members in 2009. AP/PA Photo |
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Will you join me in doing something compassionate for human rights on Valentines Day?
Every year on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, women march through the streets of Zimbabwe to hand out roses and ask their government for one simple thing: respect. Although Zimbabwean politicians have joined together in cooperation to improve living conditions for many Zimbabweans, many human rights activists are still facing persecution, and access to education remains impossible for many children.
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) is a group of courageous women's human rights defenders, with over 35,000 members. WOZA was formed in 2003 to defend human rights amidst the political violence in Zimbabwe, and continues their work today by mobilizing on behalf of the right to education and to end political violence. Members of WOZA are under constant threat: most recently on January 25th, 2010, eleven WOZA members were beaten and detained by police for attended a peaceful protest which publicized the rights to education in Zimbabwe.
Just as WOZA hands out roses to send a message of peace, we're asking you to purchase a rose in support of these courageous human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. We will present roses to the Zimbabwean embassy, and hand out roses to members of the public to inform them about WOZA’s courageous and powerful activism.
Last year, Amnesty members generously donated 330 fair trade roses and wrote more than 400 messages to the Zimbabwean embassy and to WOZA members. And with proceeds from your purchases of roses in 2009 we were able to send $2,000 directly to Zimbabwe to help the women of WOZA. WOZA members have extended their thanks, with WOZA leader Magodonga Mahlangu stating: “Your efforts send the message that we are not alone and that the world is watching.”
Please join us in these two meaningful Valentines Day actions:
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Buy a Rose for the women of Zimbabwe
Amnesty will spread the word about WOZA using the fair-trade roses, distributing them to members of the public and letting them know more about the courageous work they’re doing. Proceeds from every rose purchased will help fund Amnesty’s critical campaigning for human rights in Zimbabwe. |
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Send a message of solidarity to WOZA
Learn about WOZA’s activism efforts, including their latest report on education in Zimbabwe, and send them a message of support and solidarity. |
Amnesty International stands firmly behind the work of WOZA and knows that words of support from people like you contributes to the safety of these courageous women.
With your help, we can send a strong message of solidarity and support to WOZA members.
 Thank you,
Alex Neve
Secretary General,
Amnesty International Canadian Section
p.s. On Valentine's Day, of course, send roses and words of kindness to your loved ones. But this year, please also express your support for women who believe that the power of love can conquer the love of power. Buy a rose for the women of Zimbabwe.
1-800-AMNESTY (1-800-266-3789) | www.amnesty.ca
312 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa ON K1N 1H9
Registered Charity #11878 5914 RR0001
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