The Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA Agahozo) brought together its members on Sunday April 6, for discussions centred on unity and emotional healing, acknowledging the persistent trauma from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The 31st commemoration period (Kwibuka 31) for the Genocide that claimed more than one million lives will begin on Monday. These conversations, held in partnership with The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement aimed to help the members enter the commemoration period with strength and resilience, and ability to support one another. Statistics from Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) show that during the 30th commemoration, over 2,000 individuals were affected by trauma crises, with about 90 percent of them being women. During the event, the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, commended the members of AVEGA Agahozo for their unwavering resilience, 31 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which left many without families, children, or spouses. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 31: Which mental health helplines can you use for support during commemoration period? “Despite the unimaginable loss, you have continued to live with courage and dignity. You have played a significant role in promoting unity and reconciliation in Rwanda, and together, we continue the journey of development,” Dusengiyumva said. “We are here to stand by you and comfort you, especially as we still witness cases of genocide ideology both here in Kigali and across the country. Be assured that we are with you,” he said. He emphasised that survivors have an important role to play during the commemoration period. “Your participation in remembrance is essential, and we encourage you to do so from a place of strength—not fear or trauma.” ALSO READ: Kwibuka 31: How commemoration activities will unfold Constance Mpinganzima, Vice President of AVEGA Agahozo, explained many survivors still experience emotional distress during the commemoration time. “That’s why we felt it was necessary to equip them in advance with the emotional help they’ll need during the three months of commemoration, Mpinganzima said. We also want to remind them that they are not alone—they should not isolate themselves. Instead, they should seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed.” During the 30th commemoration of the Genocide, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) arrested 39 people for genocide ideology and related crimes, which were identified during the week of mourning. Mpinganzima emphasised that genocide ideology remains a major obstacle to national unity, resilience, and development. She also thanked the country's leadership for protection and assurance that Genocide will never happen again in Rwanda. Mpinganzima encouraged the survivors to stay strong and resilient, emphasizing the importance of drawing strength from within to resist anything that could lead them back into despair. April 7 is the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi. Valerie Mukabayire, a member of AVEGA Agahozo, noted the significance of such discussions, noting that they foster unity and provide mutual support as Rwandans and the world prepare for the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 31: Our role to preserve the memory remains Mukabayire reflected on the difficult journey widows faced in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She said that after losing families and homes, the survivors faced deep grief and loneliness. However, they chose to unite, confront their challenges, and create AVEGA. With government support and social initiatives like FARG, the fund for education of survivors, they were able to improve their lives, sent children to school, got shelter, and helped to rebuild the nation. “To be a Genocide widow today means to be a Rwandan like anyone else—yes, still carrying the scars of the past, but standing strong, committed to healing, and contributing to the nation’s development,” Mukabayire said. Similar discussions attended by the members of AVEGA-Agahozo were also held in the four provinces on Sunday.