At the Heart of Resistance

Women's grassroots activism

At The Heart of Resistance captures the spirit of a unique campaigning group – Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) – whose clarion call is 'The power of love can conquer the love of power'. Made up of footage gathered in Zimbabwe despite the country's stringent media controls, the film is a rare insight into grassroots activism and the politicisation of a group of women who've become aware of their rights and are passionate about gaining them.

Spirited sisterhood

'The freedoms we were promised by our liberation leaders have not been fulfilled' say WOZA. We see them, forceful, outspoken and articulate, as they develop their resistance strategies. They are spirited and strong, marching and singing - a sisterhood of astonishingly good cheer given the grim circumstances they and their families face each day.

Zimbabwe's elections approach

In the run-up to Zimbabwe's most recent round of elections WOZA gathers to plan and carry out a series of demonstrations marking Valentine's Day 2008. Their aim is to encourage their fellow Zimbabweans to use their vote wisely, and they take to the streets with placards, flyers and song in spite of pre-election intimidation and heightened security.

Jubilation and tension

There is jubilation in Bulawayo as the police stand on the sidelines while passers by shout encouragement and join in the march, and tension as a call from the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation confirms that WOZA is being closely watched, and defiance in Harare when we meet women who have just been brutally beaten.

This film offers a refreshingly positive picture of courage and determination in the quest for social justice in Zimbabwe.

A FAHAMU BOOKS AND PAMBAZUKA PRESS PUBLICATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WOMEN OF ZIMBABWE ARISE (WOZA)

 

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