Widowhood in Rwanda
The close of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 ended a 100-day massacre of Tutsi and Hutu men and women, leaving over 800,000 dead. Studies have revealed that one in ten Rwandans died during the genocide.
Tally up the loved ones you have.
Now imagine that 1 in 10 were killed—before your eyes.
With few male survivors, Rwanda quickly became a nation comprised of more women than men.
The scars of trauma these women carry are both tragic and inspiring. They have survived unimaginable horrors, witnessed their husbands, children, and friends brutally killed and their homes burned to the ground.
During the genocide, women were raped while friends were forced to stand by defenseless as their enemies condoned and applauded the violence.
Female survivors were left to, as one widow says, “die of sadness.”
Tally up the loved ones you have.
Now imagine that 1 in 10 were killed—before your eyes.
With few male survivors, Rwanda quickly became a nation comprised of more women than men.
The scars of trauma these women carry are both tragic and inspiring. They have survived unimaginable horrors, witnessed their husbands, children, and friends brutally killed and their homes burned to the ground.
During the genocide, women were raped while friends were forced to stand by defenseless as their enemies condoned and applauded the violence.
Female survivors were left to, as one widow says, “die of sadness.”
The Story of the Peace Basket
|
Following the genocide, widows were left to create a new life for themselves. With their husbands dead, the widows from the warring Tutsi and Hutu tribes gathered together to make peace.
By weaving baskets together, the widows found healing through a centuries-old relic of Rwandan culture—the Peace Basket, pictured to the left. The widows chose this design because the two contrasting colors woven together symbolize the forgiveness and unity of two opposing forces achieving harmony. Now, 26 years post-genocide, Rwandan widows continue to live in extreme poverty—many subsisting on $1.25 a day or less to feed and shelter themselves and their children. However, these women are slowly rebuilding their lives, homes, and nation. While Rwandan women have experienced what some would call a fate worse than death, the Rafiki Foundation continues to help them restore their lives through our Widow's Program and presents them with the life-giving Word of God through daily Bible study. Supporting these widows and their families is our privilege and our passion. |