Harare/Johannesburg - Dozens of women activists were arrested in the Zimbabwean capital Harare Monday for protesting over the suffering caused by a severe economic crisis.

Riot police broke up a demonstration by at least 300 women from the Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe outside a hotel, where southern African leaders were meeting to discuss Zimbabwe's political impasse with the country's rival leaders.

At least 11 women were treated for injuries after being beaten by the police and 47 women were arrested, according to the coalition. "It is the women of this country who have to carry the burden of the suffering," Coalition spokeswoman Emilia Chawa said.

The women were calling for the talks between President Robert Mugabe and prime minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai on the formation of a unity government to be concluded urgently to allow the rebuilding of the tattered economy to start. (dpa)