Tuesday, November 8, 2005

Conversation with Woman PeaceMaker

Emmaculeta Chiseya of Zimbabwe

IPJ Theatre

12:30-2:00pm

Emmaculeta (Emma) Chiseya, a mother of two from Harare, Zimbabwe has worked to gender sensitize community development and promoted human rights for over 15 years. From 1996 - 2000, Emma was responsible for the promotion, protection and defense of human rights under the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZIMRIGHTS). During an increasingly dangerous period of Zimbabwe history, she has helped pioneer human rights education and civic education curricula in schools throughout her country. As a Project Officer for the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), Emma advocates for democracy and electoral education, and serves as an election monitor. She advances political participation of disenfranchised groups, and helps her community build political tolerance. She educates police and others to desist from torture practices and uses theater to encourage greater understanding of human rights. Working in a very dangerous setting, Emma is a champion of women and children's rights and promotes peace and democracy. In the current climate in Zimbabwe , the rights which the constitution grants are challenged, and politically motivated violence confronts the citizens who are seeking a return to peace. Human rights activities and peacemakers must maneuver carefully just to assemble. Emma is attempting to help people negotiate the pitfalls and move democratic change forward. During her residency at the IPJ, Emma hopes to learn from other peacemakers and tell her unique story.