Ukrainian Women Leaders Learn from Rwanda’s Post-War Recovery and Peacebuilding

A group of Ukrainian women leaders visited Rwanda to learn about post-war recovery and women’s empowerment in peacebuilding. They aimed to foster women’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction, drawing parallels from Rwanda’s recovery from genocide. The delegation underscored the importance of unity and inclusion in both societies, highlighting the need for policies that empower women in leadership roles. Key takeaways from their experience will guide their future initiatives upon returning to Ukraine.

A delegation of Ukrainian women leaders from various sectors, known as The Day After, recently completed a five-day visit to Rwanda aimed at exchanging knowledge on post-war recovery, transitional justice, and women’s roles in peacebuilding. This six-member team aspires to end the persistent war in Ukraine and is focused on empowering women to engage actively in the nation’s reconstruction efforts through partnerships with NGOs and local communities. During their time in Rwanda, they explored the nation’s recovery from the 1994 genocide, observing the strategies employed in rebuilding the economy and society post-conflict.

The delegation met with Rwandan parliamentarians, civil society leaders, and visited significant sites, such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Avega Agahozo Village. They gained insights into Rwanda’s journey from devastation to recovery, highlighting the leadership role of the Rwanda Patriotic Front in restoring the nation. The emphasis on unity across all societal levels was particularly noted, with young people identified as crucial peacebuilders.

Alina Miakenka, a human rights activist and co-founder of The Day After, expressed the complex nature of justice, peace, and forgiveness she explored during the visit. She reflected on Rwanda’s innovative Gacaca courts, which have been pivotal in achieving post-genocide justice and reconciliation. Miakenka underscored the necessity for Ukraine to formulate homegrown solutions aligned with its historical context and values, noting, “The key lesson I’ve learned is that Ukraine must develop its own homegrown solutions—ones rooted in our history, mentality, and understanding of justice.”

Additionally, Miakenka admired Rwanda’s impressive level of women’s engagement in leadership roles and decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for similar empowerment in Ukraine. She highlighted that women’s voices must be amplified in state affairs, as they are integral to peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. The team anticipates returning to Ukraine with plans to draft policy papers and collaborate with various sectors to elevate women’s roles in recovery initiatives.

Co-founder Anna Nikolaienko reflected on her early awareness of Rwanda as a leader in women’s parliamentary representation. She acknowledged the intrinsic human connections shared between the two nations, despite the uniqueness of their conflicts. “The nature of the Genocide against the Tutsi is different from our war, but the pain is the same. One of the most powerful lessons from Rwanda is the emphasis on inclusion—whether for women, youth, or people with disabilities,” she stated.

Iryna Drobovych brought attention to the pervasive issue of sexual violence in conflicts, asserting the importance of documenting war crimes similar to practices established in Rwanda. She advocated for international justice mechanisms as traditional legal systems frequently fall short. Drobovych also underscored the significance of addressing mental health and community reintegration for women affected by war-related violence, highlighting the need to break the silence surrounding these sensitive topics in Ukraine.

The visit of Ukrainian women leaders to Rwanda has resulted in profound insights and reflections on the recovery process from conflict. Their engagement highlighted the critical role of women’s participation in rebuilding and peacebuilding, emphasizing the necessity of drawing from Rwanda’s experiences. As the delegation prepares to implement their lessons in Ukraine, the emphasis on unity, inclusion, and homegrown solutions stands as a pivotal lesson for their nation’s recovery efforts.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw