Women of Zimbabwe (WoZ) expresses strong objection to Mrs Auxilia Mnangagwa’s participation at the FLAIR Summit being held in London from 17-18 June 2025. WoZ’s concern stems from Mrs Mnangagwa’s apparent indifference to the suffering of women in Zimbabwe, particularly in cases of women with different political views.
Mrs Mnangagwa has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of support for women’s rights and has failed to condemn or address the atrocities committed against women who are not aligned to the ruling party, Zanu PF or women who are human rights defenders and those who belong to different political opposition movements. This is not only a violation of basic human rights but also sends a dangerous message that such actions are acceptable. It is crucial that our community and events uphold and promote values that respect and protect all individuals, especially those who are vulnerable.
Since 2017, when her husband, ED Mnangagwa assumed the Presidency through a coup, many people including women were persecuted with some losing their lives. Mrs Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation cites its ‘mission is to support the most vulnerable in society through providing access to healthcare, social services, education and economic empowerment initiatives with emphasis on women, youth and children’.
The foundation places emphasis on supporting women but it is surprising that women have been persecuted. Mrs Mnangagwa has never spoken out against the atrocities, visited the women and girls nor has she ever demanded answers in the case of MoreBlessing Ali who was abducted and murdered by known Zanu PF leaders in Nyatsime in May 2022. In August, 2018, six innocent Zimbabweans were killed by the Zimbabwe National Army following delays in announcing presidential results, she remained silent. In Jan 2019, following fuel riots, over fifty women came forward alleging sexual assaults and rape by the Army, she did not speak out. In August 2023, women from opposition political movement (CCC), reported being sexually assaulted and raped by the Zimbabwe Army and members of Zanu PF, but she did not question or seek to find the truth.
Mrs Mnangagwa’s participation at this summit sends a message that we are willing to overlook these serious issues for the sake of other considerations. This is not only morally wrong but also undermines the integrity of this event and the values it purports to represent. It is imperative that as Women of Zimbabwe we stand firm in our commitment to supporting and advocating for women’s rights and safety. Mrs Mnangagwa is a danger to women and to those she says she supports through her Angel of Hope Foundation.
The organisers of this event ought to reconsider their invitation to Mrs Mnangagwa. We urge Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE DL, co-founder of FLAIR to think about the consequences of associating with wives of known dictators who disrespect human life and commit atrocities against their own citizens.
I believe that this will not only strengthen their event but also send a clear message that they stand against any form of injustice and support the rights and safety of all individuals.
