INEZA

The unique aspect about studying in Kigali is that the classroom moves around the city.  First we had a lecture in the IGSC building in the morning but in the afternoon we went to an association called INEZEA.  This is a place where women sew various products to sell.  The variety of items included purses, wallets, slippers, potholders, dolls, yoga mats, and much more, each is made out of authentic African fabric.  The fabric patterns are brightly colored and bold, just like the women who make them.  Beyond the fabric and threads are the courageous stories of the genocide survivors.

The women who worked in the shop are all survivors of the genocide yet some women were targets of the genocide while others were married to men who carried out the atrocities.  What strength, understanding, and faith these individuals have to embrace each other and offer forgiveness.

As the hum of the sewing machines (which are all manual) comes to a halt the voices of the women can be heard.  Each had a unique story but they all share the same experience. These women were raped and subsequently infected with HIV during the Tutsi Genocide in 1994. In the beginning of the presentation they did not feel comfortable giving their testimonies.  Yet after they spoke and we asked questions about their sewing cooperative their comfort level increased. 

The women then wanted to share their testimonies with our group as part of their healing processes.  To them the trauma was extremely difficult to confront but each time they speak of what happened it helps them heal.  It also allows their stories to travel the globe so others won’t have to experience what they went through and the horrors they are still living with today, 15 years after the genocide.  As these women work together and congregate each day they help each other cope with their struggles.  The simple act of bringing these survivors together lets them know that they are not alone and are not forgotten.

As we were concluding the women began thanking us for the sacrifices we made in order to come to Rwanda.  I struggled with this because I rode over on a nice airplane with movies, food, clean rags to wash my face, and drinks.  This was not much of a sacrifice at all; it is a luxury that I am thankful to have the opportunity to participate in.  These women survivors are courageous, inspiring, and gracious despite what they have and are still going through.