US Congresswoman visits

KIGALI - US Congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky, yesterday, commended the government for its commitment to safeguard the memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over 1 million lives. Schakowsky serves in the House Democratic Leadership as Chief Deputy Whip and as a member of the Steering and Policy Committee. During her visit to Gisozi memorial site in Kigali, Schakowsky hailed the country for taking a step in teaching the world the consequences of Genocide. “We recognize the government for taking a step in leading the fight against Genocide not only in Rwanda, but also across the whole world,” she said, adding that she will take the message she has learnt about Genocide to the Congress. Schakowsky also met with several parliamentarians to discuss how gender issues are handled in the country. “I’m here also to learn as much as I can on gender issues since this country takes the lead in having the most women parliamentarians in the whole world,” she added. Schakowsky is a leading advocate for women’s issues in the US Congress who continues to sponsor and support legislation that would prevent violence against immigrant women, achieve economic parity, and establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse. She is also a staunch defender of such rights for women internationally and is an original sponsor of the International Violence Against Women Act, which will make the safety of women and girls around the world a long overdue U.S. foreign policy priority. Ends