Ukrainian Women Leaders Draw Lessons from Rwanda’s Recovery Journey
A group of Ukrainian women leaders visited Rwanda to learn about post-war recovery and the role of women in peacebuilding. They engaged with local leaders and the community, focusing on transitional justice and the empowerment of women. The delegates emphasized the need for Ukrainian women’s active participation in reconstruction efforts while drawing lessons from Rwanda’s experience.
A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders, associated with the foundation The Day After, recently completed a five-day visit to Rwanda aimed at learning about recovery processes following conflict. This initiative focused on enhancing awareness of transitional justice and the significant contributions of women in peacebuilding efforts. The team, composed of six members, seeks to advocate for increased women’s involvement in the ongoing reconstruction of Ukraine in light of the war with Russia.
Throughout their stay, the delegation actively engaged with Rwandan members of parliament, civil society leaders, and community initiatives such as Avega Agahozo Village. Their experiences included a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they gained insights into the country’s journey post-genocide, particularly how the Rwanda Patriotic Front rebuilt the nation from its severe economic devastation.
Alina Miakenka, a human rights activist and co-founder of The Day After, expressed her fascination with themes of justice and forgiveness based on her visit. She stated, “Being here has expanded my understanding because these concepts are complex and involve multiple players.” Miakenka emphasized the importance of developing solutions in Ukraine that resonate with its own historical context and urged the need for collaborative unity across various societal levels.
Miakenka also highlighted Rwanda’s exemplary track record of women’s empowerment, asserting, “It is crucial for women to have a seat at the decision-making table.” She stressed the urgency for women to transcend traditional roles and to assume active participation in broader societal affairs, particularly in peacebuilding and post-war reconstruction efforts, citing a lack of current supportive policies in Ukraine for women’s leadership.
Fellow co-founder Anna Nikolaienko reflected on her journey to learn about Rwanda’s political landscape, noting that the country stands out for its high representation of women in parliament. She recognized a shared human experience of suffering across conflicts, stating, “While reconciliation with our enemy (Russia) may not be a topic at this moment, what we can focus on is internal reconciliation.” Nikolaienko emphasized the importance of inclusion across all societal levels in the peacebuilding process, which extends beyond formal agreements.
Iryna Drobovych, another team member, shed light on the prevalence of war crimes, particularly sexual violence, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, echoing the need for documenting these crimes as was done in Rwanda. Drobovych noted the organization’s focus on mental health and community support for women affected by war, stating, “As human rights activists, we must break this silence.”
The visitation of the Ukrainian delegation to Rwanda has highlighted critical insights into post-war recovery practices, advocacy for women’s rights, and the significance of unity in peacebuilding. Their experiences underline the necessity for Ukraine to implement tailored solutions that resonate with its historical and social contexts. Furthermore, the paramount role women play in leadership roles has been emphasized, alongside the urgent need for inclusive policies that address the impact of war, ultimately contributing to a more resilient society.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
