Their mission was to hand over a petition highlighting their grievances to Ambassador Phelekezela Mphoko, who was away in Durban for the climate change summit. Among issues raised by the demonstrators was the need to end the ongoing violence against women, human rights abuses, militarisation and the proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence.
“We say no to torture, cruel treatment and the unnecessary punishment of women. We also demand the Diaspora vote, which is among the fundamental rights of exiles,” said Janet Munakamwe, coordinator of the piquet.
She bemoaned political violence which she said exposed women and children to brutalisation and during elections.
“We demand that the state uphold the rule of law, allow free political participation and implement a sound election roadmap that is in line with the spirit of the Global Political Agreement,” said Thembi Sibanda, chairperson for Women of Integrity.
Post published in: Africa News