Ukrainian Women Leaders Learn from Rwanda’s Recovery Experience

A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders visited Rwanda to learn about post-war recovery, focusing on women’s roles in peacebuilding. They engaged with local leaders and reflected on Rwanda’s successes, emphasizing the need for women’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction. They aim to develop tailored strategies for justice and unity in their home country.

A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders, part of the foundation The Day After, has recently completed a five-day visit to Rwanda. Their objectives included exchanging knowledge regarding post-war recovery, transitional justice, and women’s roles in peacebuilding. The six-member team aspires for the cessation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and emphasizes the involvement of women in the nation’s reconstruction efforts. Through collaborations with NGOs and community organizations, they advocate for women’s active participation in Ukraine’s recovery initiatives.

During their trip, the delegation participated in various activities to gain insights from Rwanda’s experience of post-genocide recovery. They had discussions with Rwandan parliament members, met with civil society leaders, and visited Avega Agahozo Village. Additionally, they toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they learned in detail about the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and how the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) facilitated the country’s revival after the liberation struggle.

Reflecting on their experiences, the delegates shared significant lessons learned about Rwanda’s history and its recovery process. Alina Miakenka, a human rights activist and co-founder of The Day After, emphasized the complexity of justice and forgiveness in post-war contexts. She stated, “As a lawyer, I was eager to understand the perspectives of justice, peace, and forgiveness… it changes your outlook.” Miakenka also highlighted the importance of developing tailored, homegrown solutions for Ukraine rooted in its unique cultural context.

Equally, she appreciated the strong sense of unity present in Rwandan society from government policies to local communities, noting, “I love that unity in Rwanda exists at all levels … Youth play a crucial role as ambassadors of peace and peacebuilders.” Miakenka expressed her admiration for Rwanda being a pioneer in women’s empowerment, declaring that it is vital for women to engage in leadership roles across societal frameworks.

Anna Nikolaienko, also a co-founder, reflected on her previous knowledge of Rwanda’s high representation of women in parliament. She acknowledged the shared human experience of suffering in both countries, albeit from different circumstances. “All parties involved in conflict are human beings… While reconciliation with our enemy may not be a topic at this moment, we can focus on internal reconciliation…” she highlighted.

Iryna Drobovych, another team member, underscored the common patterns in war crimes, especially regarding sexual violence. She stated, “Documenting these war crimes… is crucial. We must preserve evidence to ensure justice.” Drobovych stressed the need to address sensitive topics such as mental health and community reintegration for women impacted by war-related violence, advocating for continuous dialogue and action in these areas.

In conclusion, the visit of the Ukrainian women leaders to Rwanda was significant for understanding post-war recovery and the indispensable role of women in peacebuilding. Through their exchanges on Rwanda’s experiences, they aim to promote women’s leadership and participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The insights gleaned from Rwanda’s journey emphasize the necessity of tailored approaches to justice, unity among communities, and active engagement of women in shaping their nation’s future.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw