{"id":69450,"date":"2024-04-06T14:31:10","date_gmt":"2024-04-06T14:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/genocide-widows-launch-book-on-rising-above-silence"},"modified":"2024-04-06T15:28:24","modified_gmt":"2024-04-06T15:28:24","slug":"genocide-widows-launch-book-on-rising-above-silence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/genocide-widows-launch-book-on-rising-above-silence","title":{"rendered":"Genocide widows launch book on rising above silence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The association of Genocide widows \u2013Avega-Agahozo \u2013has launched a book titled \u201cEntendez-nous\u201d (translated as Hear Us) aimed at breaking the silence over the atrocities they faced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n

Launched on April 5, on the margin of the Kwibuka 30 International Conference, the book is a compilation of personal testimonies of 13 women widowed during the Genocide, put together to inspire more others to open up, but most importantly for humanity to listen to the truth and depth of the Genocide.<\/p>\n

They include Sylvie Barakagwira, Yvonne Kabanyana, Chantal Kayitesi, Esther Mujawayo, Pauline Mukakarangwa, Dancille Mukandoli, Immaculee Mumaranyota, Irene Musayidire, Jeanne Mwiliriza, Languine Nyirababeruka, Annociata Nyiratamba, Claudine Umutoni, Esperance Uwambyeyi.<\/p>\n

The newly launched book aimed at breaking the silence over the atrocities they faced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi<\/p>\n

The book which took two years to finish was co-authored with the French author Daniel le Scornet who also wrote \u2018Si Kigali e\u0301tait conte\u0301e\u2019 or \u2018If Kigali was a tale\u2019, a documentation of Kigali\u2019s History from pre-colonial times to rising from the Genocide ashes.<\/p>\n

Esther Mujawayo, Co-author and member of Avega Agahozo, commended the government\u2019s leadership that supported them in the journey of healing and finding life worthy of living after many were left widows, some without any relatives or children.<\/p>\n

The book is the book is a compilation of personal testimonies of 13 women widowed during the Genocide<\/p>\n

She explained that while the Genocide sufferings cannot be compared to one another, the greatest wounds that many women live with are having lost all their children and endured the systematic rape crimes committed against them.<\/p>\n

With that reality, she noted that the women now live on, clothed with beauty and kindness, adding that one of the most encouraging and joyful things they experience daily is witnessing those who were babies during the Genocide becoming grownups and building families of their own.<\/p>\n

Mujawayo said that even though everyone\u2019s testimony cannot be summed up in one book, these written stories brought healing and gave life back to the lost loved ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis book is an appreciation to those who already listened to us, however, there are many widows who never spoke about their stories nor dared to cry throughout their lives, this book is therefore a message to humanity that it is possible. Hear us and act on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

People who attended the launch buy copies of AVEGA AGAHOZO’s book titled Entendez-nous on Friday, April 6<\/p>\n

Daniel Le Scornet said that as the world has recognized the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative to tell the individual stories of the atrocities faced to the entire public.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is amazing how the widows were able to come together, establish such an organization, and take care of the many orphans that were left after the Genocide, among other responsibilities and defied patriarchal mindsets in society.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they were able to do all that and more, they have a message to tell humanity,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the launch of the book, Daphrose Gauthier, Co-founder of the France-based Collectif des Parties Civiles pour le Rwanda (CPCR), acknowledged the essence of documenting such testimonies in terms of preserving the memory, and evidence of historical truth for justice to prevail but also generational knowledge.<\/p>\n

The book was launched on April 5, on the margin of the Kwibuka 30 International Conference,<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are all aging and time is no longer on our side. We must record as many testimonies as possible for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

The book was launched ahead of the 30th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, holding significant meaning for all Rwandans. 30 years of paying tribute to the victims, rebuilding the country from ashes, and yet another moment to dream for the future.<\/p>\n\r\n