October 2008: We the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, on behalf of the women of Zimbabwe remain gravely concerned by the failure of the political principals to conclude the talks that will result in the resolution of the Zimbabwe’s political, economic and humanitarian crisis.

Cognizant that the political parties ( ZANU PF and the two MDC formations) signed a political settlement for the establishment of an inclusive government at the Rainbow Towers on 15 September 2008, we note with deep regret that to date no cabinet has been formed resulting in Zimbabwe operating without a government since March 2008. This delay has been due to the disagreement by the political party principals on the allocation of government ministries.

We note that this political impasse has resulted in continued and accelerated suffering of the people of Zimbabwe, especially women and children. This is characterised by some of the factors outlined below:

• Famine which impacts heavily on women and children with people resorting to wild fruit (hacha) and rats for survival
• A collapsed health sector characterised by shortages of drugs and health personnel, and breakdown of equipment
• A crumbling economy characterised by cash shortages resulting in unending queues, hyperinflation - which is the highest in the world, high taxation for workers, dollarisation of the economy with the majority of the workforce still earning their salaries in local currency.
• An ailing education system characterised by continued job action by teachers due to poor remuneration, lack of supplies including stationary and food, delays/uncertainty in the writing of exams.
• Breakdown of social services such as electricity and water shortages - the latter resulting in a health crisis that is causing cholera deaths.
• Women and girls suffered grave violence during the election period and this violence has continued to prevail extending to family and community levels due to impunity.

The continued delay in the conclusion of the talks has only served to exacerbate the suffering of women and children in the country.

Now therefore as the Women of Zimbabwe we demand the following:

1. That the political party principals put the interests and concerns of the people of Zimbabwe first.
2. That the political party principals negotiate and conclude the talks in good faith on Monday 27 October 2008.
3. That an inclusive government be in place shortly thereafter to begin tackling the urgent challenges that the country is facing in accordance with the Agreement.
4. That the inusive gvernment be constituted by a fair representation of women within the spirit of the Government of National Unity Deal, SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and other regional and international instruments.