A delegation of Nigerian women involved in national policy-making visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial on 22 May to pay respects to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi and participate in a one-day workshop with Aegis on Peace and Values Education. 

The delegation was taking part in a 5-day study tour of Rwanda for women on peacebuilding and democracy organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Nigeria in collaboration with Prime Unique Women Initiative. 

To gain a deeper understanding, the group went through a physical tour of the memorial exploring Rwanda’s history before the genocide; the planning, implementation, and consequences of genocide, and insights on Rwanda’s journey towards rebuilding. 

As part of their study tour, these policy makers also had an opportunity to meet with the Aegis Education facilitators who took the group through an interactive session providing knowledge on the pathway and conditions that lead to identity-based violence and genocide as well as steps to increase social, emotional and cognitive skills to build empathy and personal commitment to peace.  

At the end of the visit, members of the delegation wrote messages of hope and remembrance in the memorial guestbook. 

“This should never happen again in the history of Humanity. Genocide is a crime.”  

“Very sad but we thank God for Peace restored back.”  

Photos of the visit can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aegistrust/albums/72177720308485789/with/52917824268/