Ownit Magazine #3 - NOV-DEC 2017 | Page 33

Essential services

Today, they are over 20,000 strong across Rwanda and provide essential services that include: Medical and psycho-social care, socio-economic development, advocacy and justice information and institutional capacity building.

Meeting amazing women

I had the privilege of traveling to Rwanda in June with Mercer University and had the honor of meeting some of these amazing women. Part of my experience was visiting IMPINGANZIMA, a house of elderly widows of the Genocide against the Tutsi. They offered us a delicious meal of beans, corn and peanuts and welcomed us into their home. They were unbelievably gracious and kind and yet, I could still see the pain behind their eyes. A pain so deep that it was unfathomable.

Survivor stories

I traveled out to the villages and met with the women in their homes where we were greeted with beautiful songs and children laughing and playing. I visited two of the AVEGA offices – one in the capital city of Kigali and the other in the Eastern Province. There I listened to survivor stories and the challenges that are still palpable 23+ years later.

"My experiences in Rwanda enriched my life in ways that I am still learning. The impact these women have had on my heart will stay with me forever."

Robbin Jorgensen

Founder & CEO

Women Igniting Change™

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