Members of Ndabaga Organization, a nonprofit organization that brings together ex-women combatants, seek to intervene in peacekeeping missions where Rwandan troops are deployed to support women and children in areas with insecurities.

The development was announced by Capt (Rtd) Apophia Batamuriza as the organization marked its 20th anniversary which attracted about 800 members, on August 4.

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Started in 2001, Ndabaga is a non-profit organization that brings together women who took part in Rwanda’s Liberation struggle, cadres of RPF-Inkotanyi, and women members of Ex-FAR (Armed Forces of Rwanda).

The ceremony featured a play that showcased the courage and sacrificial mindset that characterized women who took part in the liberation struggle from 1990 to 1994, where some lost their lives during the war, some sustained lifelong injuries, and how the country was built with resilience and unity.

Batamuriza said that the organization has helped many to heal and develop themselves post-Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 by creating a sense of belonging and striving to alleviate themselves from poverty through different economic activities.

Despite, the activities that were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, she said that going forward, the organization will engage in educating and instilling patriotism among young girls and women so that they can actively demonstrate courage in developing their country.

"We want to create income-generating activities through cooperatives. We also want to contribute in peacekeeping missions in countries coming out of war to support women and children as they are the most affected,” Batamuriza noted.

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Jeanne d’Arc Mukarunyange, a widowed mother of four and member of Ndabaga, said that this celebration allowed them to reflect on the country’s history and unity that cemented Rwanda’s development journey.

The Ex-FAR member and Vice President of Ndabaga Organization said that it is their duty to encourage their children to demonstrate patriotism and for young girls to continue demonstrating heroism because this has to be sustained for future generations.

The ceremony also saw the organization celebrate and award different members who embodied outstanding sacrifices in unifying and building the organization.

The organization comprised 42 percent of members of Ex-FAR, 39 percent are veterans of Rwanda Patriotic Army, and 19 percent, according to Batamuriza. They are engaged in different economic sectors across the country including agriculture and farming, SMEs, and local governance, among others.