While No One Was Watching: Empowering Women Survivors of Rwanda's Genocide

Dr. Pius Kamau engages with Rwandan-American Furah Chantal, exploring her harrowing memories of surviving the Rwandan genocide. They discuss Rwanda's transition from unity to division, the profound impact on women, and the enduring trauma faced by survivors. Furah shares heart-wrenching insights into her family's loss and emphasizes the ongoing need for healing and support. Through her story, Furah advocates for empathy, healing, and the importance of remembering shared humanity.

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Presented by The Coalition Against Global Genocide (CoAGG) and its mission to educate, motivate and empower individuals and communities to oppose Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• Survivors of the Rwandan genocide, like Furah Chantal, faced unimaginable loss but continue to show resilience and drive to overcome trauma.
• The genocide's lead-up involved a cultural shift where ethnic identities were harshly highlighted, leading to the eventual collapse of societal bonds.
• Women bore unique and prolonged suffering during and after the genocide, often being subjected to sexual violence and subsequent stigmatization.
• Healing and support for genocide survivors can stem from community engagement, dialogue, and practical aid, including material and emotional support.
• Furah Chantal highlights the importance of not only international awareness but also grassroots action, using resources and advocacy to support affected communities.

Notable Quotes:

"Before genocide, it was like a family. Everyone was family with gathering all the time."

"When people talk, they don't talk Kihutu or Ki Tutsi; they talk Kinyarwanda, the same language."

"Forgive me, do whatever you want, but don't kill me, don't do this to me."

"It's better to let it go. Don't keep it inside, the more we keep it inside, it's destroying you."

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