AVEGA - Agahozo, the Association of Widows of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has recognised First Lady Jeannette Kagame for her support.

The First Lady was awarded with a certificate of recognition during a ceremony to celebrate AVEGA’s 15 years of existence and the launch of its new state-of-the-art hospital.

In her acceptance speech, the First Lady dedicated the award to the widows saying: "We jointly worked together to put the association where it is and that is why I dedicate this award to you.”

She hailed the founders of AVEGA pointing out that the establishment of the association saved the lives of many Genocide widows who had lost all hope.

"I highly thank those who came up with the idea to set up this association and those who committed themselves to its survival,” said Mrs. Kagame

"It is very thrilling to witness the achievements in the past 15 years; it was not an easy journey, but you made it.”

The First lady observed that what used to be grief among the widows was transformed into hope and courage.

"Although the country and friends tried to keep close and help you, you played the biggest part in realizing your achievements,” she said.

"Women and girls who were raped and infected with HIV/Aids would not have found a forum to talk about what befell them if you had not come together to console them.”

Mrs Kagame also pointed out that AVEGA became a big family and opened up branches in all corners of the country.

"Although there are still challenges, there is hope for a brighter future. Although there are still those that have not fully recovered, I urge them to get closer to their colleagues for help and consolation,” she said.

"For those who were raped and infected with HIV/Aids, I encourage you to be strong; some of you never thought you would live up to today. You will live and live well,” she encouraged.

The First Lady promised to continue advocating for AVEGA until all widows lead a good life with adequate health care and shelter.

"The manufacturers of Genocide misjudged thinking that they would exterminate a race completely, not realisng that you would live to make history,” Health Minister Dr. Richard Sezibera said.

Sezibera said that AVEGA’s new hospital has a department charged with psychotherapy.

"The Ministry will continue to closely work with AVEGA for the welfare of the widows. AVEGA’s activities should be integrated into the government’s programmes and the association becomes a partner of the state,” he said.

The National Coordinator of AVEGA, Chantal Kabasinga, highlighted some of the success stories that AVEGA has registered in the past years as a result of the First Lady’s commitment to assist widows and orphans of the Genocide.
AVEGA was formed to address the needs of victims of the Genocide, especially widows, orphans, children heads of households, women lost some or all their children, the elderly and the handicapped.

The association was founded in 1995 by a group of 50 Kigali women widowed by the Genocide and has grown phenomenally; it now has close to 20,000 members.

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