Leading Discussion: Rwandan Genocide

We were given the opportunity as a group to prepare a guided discussion based on the current literature being read in class. By reading Philip Gourevitch's We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families, We addressed the systematic genocide of the Tutsi race by their Hutu neighbors. Our research skills were honed as we searched for supplemental information, including the following article which can be accessed at http://www.womenwagingpeace.net/content/articles/0283a.html. Our communication skills were tested and honed as we guided the discussion in a productive direction and touched on topics of extreme controversy.

"As Rwandans prepare to vote in their first multiparty parliamentary
elections, a new study by the Women Waging Peace Policy Commission underscores
the significant role women have played in that country’s democratic
transition. Just nine years after the 1994 genocide, Rwanda is experiencing a
new era of political democracy, where women are emerging as agents of social
change. Once excluded from positions of influence, women are now encouraged to
participate, whether as elected officials, community leaders, or
entrepreneurs. In fact, most Rwandans now consider women’s involvement in
civic life crucial to long-term stability and economic growth.
  Women’s capacity to lead became evident after the Rwanda genocide, when the
Government of National Unity faced a surviving population that was 70 percent
women and girls. The women immediately worked to repair their country’s
economic and emotional state. They buried the dead, built shelters, and found
homes for nearly 500,000 orphans. Today women are 54 percent of the adult
population and a majority of working adults. They are heading 35 percent of
households, raising the next generation, and producing the majority of this
rural nation’s agricultural output.
  For many in the international community, the government’s call for democracy
has been eclipsed by the reality of a predominantly one-party system. But the
government’s policies to decentralize decision-making have broadened public
involvement in politics; women’s participation, especially, has increased
dramatically.
  A new constitution guarantees that women serve in 30% of decision-making
posts in government, and reserves 24 of 80 parliamentary seats for women.
Rwanda also created new local councils, innovative voting mechanisms, and a
government ministry to involve women and disenfranchised groups. These include:
  1. Women’s councils and women-only elections. These grassroots women’s
councils are elected by women only. The head of the women’s councils holds a
seat on the general local council to represent women’s concerns.
  2. A triple balloting system guaranteeing the election of women to a
percentage of seats at the sector and district levels. Each voter completes
three ballots: a general ballot, a women’s ballot, and a youth ballot. After
an indirect election much like an electoral college, a district council
composed of at least 20% women is chosen.
  3. The Ministry for Gender and Women in Development and gender posts within
all levels of government. These positions address issues related to women and
to ensure that all policies are sensitive to different needs and conditions of
women and men."

QUESTIONS
1)   What aspects of the Rwandan genocide taught these woman the skills required to succeed in governmental roles?
2)   Are these woman worse/equal/or better than those who may have filled those governmental positions had the genocide not occurred?
3)   Could the events of the early 90's be considered an advantage to some woman who might not have had a chance at such a prestigious lifestyle?
4)   In a society still steeped in segregation and majority/minority status, will the inclusion of women in the government strengthen or weaken               the fragile community?

 Discussion Questions

Discussion 1 May 2004

Eric Wilson, Devon Bennett, Lochlan McIntosh

1) Hate crimes have occurred and still occur today in parts of our society. What can we learn from Rwanda ? From the Nazis? What about race prompts tension to flare up in many parts of the country? Will this problem ever be solved?

2) Why do inter-racial differences cause communities to fall apart? Should race play any part in communities? Is the US experiencing reverse discrimination today? If so, how?

3) Which is a stronger unifier of communities: race or religion? Think in terms of Rwanda , Iraq , and the Nazis. In these situations, what do you think the catalyst was for the destruction of the communities?

4) Read paragraph 5 on page 95, beginning, “Genocide, after all, is an exercise in community building.” How is genocide the product of order? How are individuals an annoyance to totality? React to this quote, “Genocide was prompted not as a way to create suffering but to alleviate it.”

5) Many Hutus were faced with death or torture if they did not go along with what their government was doing. “Killing Tutsis was a political tradition in postcolonial Rwanda ; it brought people together.” “…The suggestive message of us against them to the categorically compelling kill or be killed.” What would you do? Kill or be killed? Should you give up your life so that others may have a better chance to live? Is it fair to kill so your life can be better?

6) Read the article on the attached page. In a society still filled with segregation and majority/minority status, will the inclusion of women in the government strengthen or weaken the fragile community? Do you think this new system of government will work? Why or why not?

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