Rwanda: Women Ex-Combatants Advocate for Peace and Rights
In Rwanda, the Forum for Activists Against Torture (FACT) has used a UN Trust Fund grant to work with women ex-combatants on raising awareness about women’s human rights and the devastating impact of gender-based violence, including high rates of HIV/AIDS among women.
The former fighters all had first-hand experience as both perpetrators and victims of violence. Initially, 20 women gathered in Kigali to share their own experiences, study international human rights principles and learn ways to manage trauma. The training was designed to equip participants with the skills to hold similar sessions for other ex-combatants. Subsequent provincial sessions involved the 400 members of Ndabaga, an advocacy group comprising former women fighters from different sides. Today, as a result, a core group of women community leaders has a demonstrated capacity to work on issues critical to improving women’s status in Rwanda. Some of the trainees have formed local women’s groups and human rights clubs, or become involved with other organizations supporting victims of violence. Others have become trainers at the Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, where they contribute essential perspectives on women’s rights and needs.
For its part, FACT now reports more calls to its hotline and a higher number of cases reported to the police.
