Widowhood in Rwanda
The close of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 ended a 100-day mass murder of Tutsi and moderate Hutu men and women, leaving over 800,000 dead. Studies have revealed that one in ten Rwandans died in those 100 days.
The effects have been staggering.
Rwanda quickly became a nation with more women than men.
The scars and the trauma these women carry are both tragic and inspiring. They have survived unimaginable horrors—watching husbands, children, family members, and friends brutally hacked or clubbed to death and their homes burned to the ground. Women were cruelly raped while friends were forced to stand by defenseless and enemies condoned and applauded the violence.
Some were left after all this took place to “die of sadness.”
The effects have been staggering.
Rwanda quickly became a nation with more women than men.
The scars and the trauma these women carry are both tragic and inspiring. They have survived unimaginable horrors—watching husbands, children, family members, and friends brutally hacked or clubbed to death and their homes burned to the ground. Women were cruelly raped while friends were forced to stand by defenseless and enemies condoned and applauded the violence.
Some were left after all this took place to “die of sadness.”
The Story of the Peace Basket
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Following the genocide, these widows were left to pick up the pieces and somehow make a new life. With their husbands dead, the widows from the Tutsi and Hutu Tribes came together and made peace. By weaving baskets together, these women found a way of healing through a centuries-old, common element of Rwandan culture—the household basket. The design woven onto the basket pictured on the left symbolizes two hands joined together. The widows chose this design because it symbolized forgiveness, peace, and unity by drawing together two opposing sides that had suffered so much. The weaving and selling of these baskets to Western markets has gained the Rwandan widows economic independence and improved their local communities.
Now, 24 years later, 50% of homes in Rwanda are run by women. These women continue to live in extreme poverty. Often, $1.25 a day or less is what they have to feed and shelter themselves and their children. However, they are slowly rebuilding their lives, homes, and nation. While Rwandan women have experienced what some would call a fate worse than death, Rafiki brings the hope of the Gospel through daily Bible study and the hope of restored livelihoods through the sale of Widows’ Product. Supporting these widows and their families is our privilege and our passion. Please join us in this work! |
Products Created by the
Widows in Rwanda
Rwandan Baskets
$35.00 - $40.00
This is basket is handwoven by a widow in Rwanda. This is a great decorative item. You can hang it on the wall or set it on your coffee table. Not only is it beautiful on it's own, but it also is very functional too. Leave it on your kitchen counter and turn it into a fruit basket, place your car keys in it, or sit knick knacks in it that you don't want strewn around the counters!
Serving Baskets
$30.00
$15.00
These sturdy hand-made baskets are all made from tight woven sisal. The colors are made from natural dyes making each one unique. These serving baskets also vary in size, ranging from about 15-18 inches in length from handle to handle.
Baskets with Lids
$29.00
This is a handwoven basket from Rwanda. Although these baskets are handwoven, they are extremely sturdy and are woven to last. The lid on this basket makes it great for holding personal items, another use could be for holding washcloths, or even to set on display in your living area. This product is the very definition of the word versatile.
Since each and every product is handmade, each product is unique and special. That being said, size may slightly vary. This basket is roughly 5 inches in height and 6 inches in width.
Want a color you don't see here? Give us a call!
Natural Rectangular Tray
$40.00
$15.00
These trays from Rwanda are versatile and can serve in a host of functions. They are sturdy, durable, and come with built-in handles.
Peace Baskets
$20.00
Handwoven by widows in Rwanda, these Peace Baskets have a special story.
The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 left over 800,000 killed in 3 months. With their husbands dead, children slaughtered before their eyes, the widows of the two opposing sides came together and made these baskets. Peace Baskets. And in unity, these women are trying to rebuild their lives together.
The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 left over 800,000 killed in 3 months. With their husbands dead, children slaughtered before their eyes, the widows of the two opposing sides came together and made these baskets. Peace Baskets. And in unity, these women are trying to rebuild their lives together.
Peace Basket Ornament
$8.00
Peace Basket Ornaments from Rwanda. The pattern woven into the basket symbolizes two hands joined together. The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 left over 800,000 people slaughtered in 3 months. With their husbands dead and their children murdered before their eyes, the widows of the two opposing sides came together and made these baskets. Peace Baskets. Now in unity, these women are trying to rebuild their lives together.