No one joined Rwanda Patriotic Front/Army (RPF/A) to be powerful. At best, fighting to liberate Rwanda and making it out alive would have been more than enough. Growing up, seeing powerful soldiers was rare, even more if they were women.

I saw women leave their toddlers without knowing if or when they would return to see them. All they had was the hope in their hearts, that those children would not grow up in refugee camps, but freely in their homeland- Rwanda.

Today, women and men in Rwanda are more equal than ever before.

During liberation, every contribution is significant. Everyone gives what they have. This was the case in the RPA and RPF. Some gave their political skills, others their money, fighting prowess, and some their lives. In fact, without one of these, RPA wouldn’t have been successful.

Today, I pay tribute to the women whose support was instrumental in liberating and building the country. They are an inspiration to the youth who are leading Rwanda to new heights.

When the Combined Mobile Forces, consisting of 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers from various battalions were established, Yankee Mobile was formed. It was an all-female group which, like the others, was led by a highly experienced battlefield commander, specialized in mobile warfare. Yankee Mobile operated independently and carried heavy weaponry.

Women also notably raised funds to keep the frontline functional. Supplies, including food and weapons, were continuously available, thanks to the resourcefulness, commitment, and fundraising talents, particularly of women. Some used their skills to weave traditional baskets and other artifacts to sell. Others sang, danced, and worked several jobs to mobilize funds.

At all levels of the RPF/A, women were visible and powerful. They were prominent cadres who not only mobilized party members, but trained them too. This aspect of liberation was very important as we not only needed a clear mindset on the frontline but on the political front as well. The support we received from Rwandans was immense and it kept us going. It is the foundation on which this country was built.

Medical care was equally vital. Lifesaving treatments were readily available. Yes, we didn’t always get anesthesia before surgery or lie on a hospital bed when we needed to be cared for, yet it worked. Our lives were saved by brave doctors and nurses, who were mostly women. There is nothing they wouldn't do to save a life.

During the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, we faced a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of children were scattered and alone, their families killed before their eyes, with others fatally wounded. There were month old infants, thin and near death.

These orphans and displaced children needed a home with a parental figure to take care of them. RPA women soldiers were tasked with this responsibility and they did it wholeheartedly. Some had children of their own, so the love for these children came naturally.

However, soldiers suffered gravely from the loss of those who couldn’t make it due to illness.

Others provided care for victims of sexual assault who were not always comfortable speaking with men. They received both medical and psychological support.

The role of women who stay home to take care of the family cannot be underestimated. When I look at our liberation struggle, it was an opportunity, not given to all, to be able to serve. Had it been a given, our elderly mothers and fathers would have gone to the battlefield, because at least, they had lived in the Rwanda we were fighting for.

As countless men joined the struggle, their spouses remained the sole providers, protectors, and caregivers of their families. They ensured their families’ survival amidst the uncertainty of whether their husbands and fathers would return. Unfortunately, many never returned, but these women, who also included extended family and friends, made sure that their children made it to the land their parents fought for. These young people are among those working for this country today, and we are forever grateful.

Having someone stay behind is powerful in ways one cannot describe. To know that someone is hoping to see you again keeps you going. A reason to fight and endure.

Rebuilding the country

Although Rwanda experienced cultural dilution that weakened a woman’s position within society, we’ve seen a reboot since the start of the liberation struggle.

Despite the unspeakable, women have rebuilt this country from scratch. Equality is very much a Rwandan value today. In our Rwandanness, we are equal, and there is no contribution that is taken lightly.

Nevertheless, we need to ask ourselves this question: Am I giving it my all? Rwanda will continue to be built by all of us, and similarly to the struggle; it is not being a woman or man that matters, rather being a brave Rwandan. Fortunately, for us, we have many examples. There is no excuse.

The writer is a senior officer in Rwanda Defence Force.