Receiving the 2012 Amnesty International USA Ginetta Sagan Award in Washington on Wednesday rights activist and co-founder of Women of Zimbabwe Arise, Jenni Williams, said she was honored to win the prestigious award.
The award honours activists who persevere in their work, sometimes at their own personal risk and sacrifice.
Williams and WOZA national coordinator Magodonga Mahlangu, a 2009 recipient of the Robert Kennedy Human Rights Award, led a discussion on key issues affecting WOZA and other civil society organizations in Zimbabwe.
The panel discussion was hosted by Amnesty International USA, Freedom house and the National Endowment For Democracy, among others.
Williams tells Studio Seven’s Marvellous Mhlanga Nyahuye she will meet with senior United States politicians and potential donors before leaving for Britain to continue her lobbying.
" I am excited to be receiving the $10 000 cash reward that comes as part of the award. I will use this money to set up an annual award to be presented to the most courageous member of WOZA who will be nominated and crowned in remembrance of Ginetta Sagan every year in Zimbabwe,"
The Amnesty International Ginetta Sagan award honors the late Italian Rights activist Ginetta Sagan. Her grand daughter, Ana Makins-Sagan, said the family will continue to support courageous activists who fight for women and children’s rights.