Ukrainian Women Leaders Seek Inspiration from Rwanda’s Recovery Process

A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders visited Rwanda to explore post-war recovery strategies, emphasizing women’s roles in rebuilding efforts. Engaging with local leaders and learning from Rwanda’s history of recovery from genocide, they aim to implement these lessons in Ukraine. The delegation stressed the importance of justice, forgiveness, unity, and women’s empowerment in decision-making to foster peace and societal healing.

A recent delegation of Ukrainian women leaders, organized by the foundation The Day After, undertook a five-day visit to Rwanda to explore insights on post-war recovery and women’s roles in peacebuilding. Their mission emphasized the necessity of including women in Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts and advocating for their involvement through partnerships with NGOs and local communities. Hoping for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the delegation sought inspiration from Rwanda’s approach to overcoming its challenges.

During their stay, the six-member team engaged with Rwandan parliamentarians and civil society leaders, and visited significant sites including the Avega Agahozo Village and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. They learned about Rwanda’s recovery from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the vital role of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) in rebuilding the nation. This historical understanding was particularly impactful as Ukraine continues to experience an ongoing war with Russia.

Alina Miakenka, a human rights activist and co-founder of The Day After, expressed the importance of justice and forgiveness in her reflections. She stated, “When you experience firsthand the horror that Rwanda endured and see how the country successfully found solutions, it changes your outlook.” She highlighted the innovative Gacaca courts in Rwanda, pointing out that Ukraine must develop its own solutions rooted in its unique history and understanding of justice.

Miakenka commended the unity present in Rwandan society across all levels, from government policies to grassroots communities. She stated, “I love that unity in Rwanda exists at all levels… Youth play a crucial role as ambassadors of peace and peacebuilders.” Stressing the need for women’s empowerment in decision-making processes, she emphasized that women in Ukraine must be equipped with the tools necessary to contribute actively to peacebuilding and reconstruction.

Anna Nikolaienko, another co-founder of the foundation, noted Rwanda’s outstanding representation of women in parliament and their proactive engagement in promoting women’s political participation. She acknowledged the shared human suffering in conflicts, stating, “The nature of the Genocide against the Tutsi is different from our war, but the pain is the same.” Nikolaienko emphasized the significance of inclusion mechanisms actively implemented in Rwanda.

Iryna Drobovych, a team member, highlighted the alarming prevalence of sexual violence as a common consequence of war crimes. She stated, “Documenting these war crimes, as was done in Rwanda, is crucial.” Drobovych called for the advocacy of international justice mechanisms to address such issues and emphasized the need for mental health support for victims, revealing the importance of breaking the silence around these sensitive topics in Ukraine.

In conclusion, the Ukrainian women’s delegation’s visit to Rwanda provided invaluable insights into post-war recovery, justice, and women’s empowerment. The exchange highlighted the importance of developing local solutions reflective of cultural contexts, emphasizing a unified approach at all levels of society. The delegation’s commitment to enhancing women’s roles in Ukraine’s recovery underscores the broader need for inclusivity in peacebuilding efforts. Their key learnings from Rwanda will guide their advocacy for policy changes aimed at empowering Ukrainian women in the post-war environment.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw