The association of Genocide widows (Avega-Agahozo) yesterday inaugurated a new community centre that will help empower widows of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The project, worth Rwf64 million, was funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security project.

The facility, based in Busanza, Kanombe Sector in Kicukiro District, was launched yesterday and is composed of a conference hall and three workshop rooms.

The complex also boasts of a guest house, administration block, and restaurant constructed by Avega-Agahozo, an association of Genocide widows and widowers.

Speaking during the inauguration at the new premises compound in Kanombe, Tomio Sakamoto, charge d’ affaires at the Embassy of Japan, said the facility will contribute to improvement of widows’ wellbeing in society.

"I hope this facility will be fully utilised for vulnerable women to empower themselves through different activities.

The facility is likely to help government achieve two targets under the Sustainable Development Goals – ending poverty and achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. We are very proud to be part of Rwanda’s efforts to achieve these goals through this project,” Sakamoto said.

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to partnership in Rwanda’s development journey, including in grassroots activities, particularly in education, water and sanitation, as well as poverty reduction to meet people’s basic needs.

‘Breaking barriers’

Valerie Mukabayire, the president of Avega-Agahozo, said the facility was a sign of a great partnership between the association and the Japanese embassy.

She said the facility will ease the widows’ challenges.

"This is a special day. We have been waiting for it. This is a time to celebrate. Avega-Agahozo deeply recognises the support from Japan. Genocide left many widows without any property. Avega-Agahozo struggles every day to address Genocide’s consequences. This cannot be achieved without partners. That’s why we thank the Republic of Japan for thinking about Genocide widows,” Mukabayire said.

The hall will help the association save on conference facilities. In the past, some Genocide widows from rural areas have faced difficulties exhibiting their crafts products, but the new facility is expected to end his burden,” she added.

Mukabayire said the hall will be helpful not only to the association members but also to other partners, adding that the facility supports the policy of the government of empowering women.

Venancie Nyirakamana, a member from Kanombe Sector, said the facility will be used to host conferences and wedding ceremonies for income generation to support vulnerable old widows.

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