Sokwanele has just received word that some women from a local activist group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), were arrested at their homes earlier today.

The numbers arrested are so far unconfirmed.

Today, 8 March, is International Women's Day - the UN theme for International Women’s Day this year is "Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future".

WOZA were planning to march in solidarity with women all around the world. The arrest of the women at their homes means that the Zimbabwean police effectively stopped the march before it started.

This event once again highlights the fact that there is no freedom of expression or association in Zimbabwe today.

The following articles, available from our website (www.sokwanele.com [1]), cover some of WOZA's activities in the past. If you would like to receive copies of these by email, please request them by emailing us.

• The WOZA Story: 1 November 2004
• The WOZA Walk - a whimper, not a bang: 7 October 2004
• WOZA Protest March: 22 September 2004
• Police turn on women with batons and dogs: 26 July 2004
• 'Women of Zimbabwe Arise' protest: 30 September 2003