Role of Rwanda woman in peace-making with a view to community development : a theological perspective

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The story of the role of women in peace-making with a view to a Community development perspective is as old as the existence of the first human God created. The Bible shows that since the beginning of creation, a woman was given to man as a helper (Gen. 1:20-22). They both have responsibility to work, to bring change in the community and to make it a safe place to live. However, around the world women are among the most vulnerable when it comes to oppression, marginalization, injustice and all kinds of violence.Rwanda is a country in the process of recovering from the genocide of 1994 which destroyed the country, cost many lives and left other people in unstable conditions physically, psychologically and spiritually. As a result, all Rwandans are victims of violence inflicted by this war and many Rwandans are still living with painful memories, trauma, poverty, HIV/AIDS, fear and continuing violence. There is a need to rebuild peace and bring justice and reconciliation. Women, despite being the most vulnerable, have many assets which could assist in the process of peacemaking. For this reason they should be included in the process of peace-making with the purpose of finding adequate ways to avoid the repetition of the genocide and reshape the country into a safe environment for all – Rwandans, foreigners and all vulnerable groups.In this study, we will explore the concepts of peace, development and violence. These definitions will help us to understand that these three, influence the role of women in development. This means that, for women to be effective in development, they need a safe place to live, freedom to be involved according to their abilities in order to become positive life changers. It is proposed that Rwandan women will take up this challenge and continue to play a positive role in Rwandan community. They will speak out until their voices are heard and violence in the country is uprooted and until all Rwandans come back together again as a nation.Based on this study, recommendations will be given that may assist women to be more effective in their attempts to bring peace and develop the community as well as be effectively responsive to the needs of other vulnerable groups in Rwanda.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University