Kwibuka 24

April 7, 2018

By: Clarisse Mwitegereze

Today we commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. During this time of reflection and remembrance, we honor the dignity of the victims and survivors of the atrocities that happened 24 years ago.
 
As we reflect upon 1994, we also look forward to the future of this country. Most people know my country because of the genocide, but there’s another narrative taking shape that’s exemplified in my work at Resonate. I see a country where strong women who have been through a lot but are working tirelessly to improve their lives and the lives of the people around them. As a trainer, I spend time with women and listen to them talk about their potential, their hopes, and where they get their inspiration.
 
It’s also great to see how our work fits into community development, as our participants are using stories as tools to build inclusive communities. Recently, we had a workshop with an incredibly diverse set of participants, who represented a wide range in everything from age to gender to economic status to education levels. It was powerful to have all of these people in the same room and hear about how they will be using stories to advocate for others and impact lives in Rwandan communities.
 
Today, Rwanda is a place where even rural women at the grassroots are using their voices to improve this country. The women we work with have become empowered, important social actors in their own right. Today, and everyday, we look to them as motivation to create communities where all people are respected and valued.