Every year on March 8, Rwanda joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day, honoring the strength and resilience of women who have played a crucial role in rebuilding the nation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. CARSA has been at the forefront of this healing process, bringing together genocide survivors and perpetrators to foster reconciliation and sustainable peace. Women have been instrumental in this transformation, leading initiatives that promote healing, unity, and economic empowerment, proving that they are not just beneficiaries but drivers of change.

One such woman is UWAMABERA Isabelle, who turned her painful past into a mission of hope and reconciliation. At just six years old, she lost 21 family members in the genocide, leaving her with deep trauma and a permanent spinal cord condition.

At CARSA, we believe that gender equality and women’s empowerment are key to sustainable progress and lasting peace. Through our Empower Program, in collaboration with Compelled By Love, women have played a crucial role in conflict resolution, resilience-building, and economic empowerment. Seven out of our 12 community facilitators are women, leading efforts in peacebuilding, trauma healing, and capacity building for vulnerable communities. Additionally, women hold leadership positions in 63% of our 86 Resilience Community Groups (RCGs), driving economic and social transformation at the grassroots level. One inspiring example is Mukandayisaba Donatha from Muhanga District, who leads a group of 13 people dedicated to economic empowerment and reconciliation. Their initiative to provide livestock has already helped 11 members receive pigs, creating sustainable income opportunities.

Joseph Dusengumuremyi, a 63-year-old ex-prisoner, was convicted of killing his neighbors during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and served 15 years in prison. Before the workshop, he hid the truth from his wife and avoided acknowledging his crimes. However, through the program, he openly confessed, sought forgiveness, and committed to educating younger generations to prevent history from repeating itself.

Antoine Nshimyiyimana, a 21-year-old student at Rwanda Polytechnic, Musanze College, has been involved in peace clubs for seven years. Through CARSA’s Peace Club and Arts for Peace, he has learned about Rwanda’s history, engaged in community service, and used poetry, theater, and music to spread peace messages. His work includes organizing peace talks, helping the homeless, and participating in Umuganda.

Pelagie, a 59-year-old widow and mother of four from Cyeza Sector, Muhanga District, lost her husband, father, and many loved ones during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Returning home was painful—her house was destroyed, and fear gripped her whenever she encountered perpetrators.