Ukrainian Women Leaders Gain Insights from Rwanda’s Recovery Experience
A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders from The Day After foundation traveled to Rwanda to learn about post-war recovery and women’s roles in peacebuilding. Their visit emphasized the need for women’s active participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction, drawing lessons from Rwanda’s resilience and unity.
A delegation consisting of Ukrainian women leaders from diverse sectors, organized by The Day After foundation, recently concluded a five-day visit to Rwanda. Their mission focused on exchanging insights regarding post-war recovery, transitional justice, and the significance of women’s contributions to peacebuilding initiatives. The six-member team aspires to cultivate women’s involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine as the ongoing conflict persists.
During their time in Rwanda, the delegation participated in various activities to gain a nuanced understanding of the country’s recovery from genocide. They engaged with Rwandan parliamentarians, collaborated with civil society leaders, and visited significant sites such as the Avega Agahozo Village and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they learned about the catastrophic impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reflecting on their experience, Alina Miakenka, a human rights activist and co-founder of The Day After, expressed her interest in concepts related to justice and forgiveness. She noted, “As a lawyer, I was eager to understand the perspectives of justice, peace, and forgiveness. Being here has expanded my understanding because these concepts are complex and involve multiple players.”
Miakenka emphasized the importance of establishing homegrown solutions tailored to Ukraine’s unique context. She remarked on Rwanda’s model of unity, affirming, “I love that unity in Rwanda exists at all levels—government policies to local communities. Youth play a crucial role as ambassadors of peace and peacebuilders.”
She highlighted the critical role of women’s empowerment in leadership positions in Rwanda and advocated for similar practices in Ukraine. “Women must go beyond traditional roles and engage in broader state affairs. It’s time for our voices to be heard,” she stated, underscoring the need for supportive policies for women’s leadership in her home country.
Anna Nikolaienko, also a co-founder of the foundation, noted that her understanding of peacebuilding has evolved. Initially viewing it as high-level agreements, she now acknowledges its pervasive nature, stating, “Peacebuilding extends to all levels—families, communities, schools, and even small businesses.”
She was particularly inspired by the unyielding participation of women in Rwanda’s decision-making processes and the support from male counterparts. Nikolaienko remarked, “It is remarkable to see that women here are not only empowered but also supported by their male colleagues.”
Iryna Drobovych, another team member, addressed the patterns of war crimes, particularly sexual violence, observed in conflicts. She noted the need for documentation of such crimes, akin to efforts in Rwanda, and spoke about her organization’s focus on mental health and community reintegration for women affected by war-related violence. Drobovych stated, “As human rights activists, we must break this silence.”
The visit of Ukrainian women leaders to Rwanda underscores the crucial role of women in post-war recovery and peacebuilding. By drawing lessons from Rwanda’s history of resilience, these leaders aim to foster women’s participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The insights gained during this trip highlight the importance of unity, empowerment, and the need for inclusive policies that recognize the vital contributions of women in all aspects of governance and community rebuilding.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
