RWAMAGANA- Rwanda Genocide Widows Association, Avega-Agahozo, has identified the well-being of elderly widows of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as its latest challenge.This was disclosed by Avega officials who talked to The New Times after an annual congress that was held in Rwamagana yesterday.Odette Kayirere, Avega Executive Secretary, said most elderly widows were experiencing a painful period of bereavement, severe loneliness, restlessness, insomnia, and generally, poor mental, emotional, and physical well-being.She added that the widows were at risk of a lower level of well-being, adding that Avega as the most concerned, as well as the government, should help.“We are entering a tough phase...some genocide widows were born in early 1900. Being old can mean being sick, poor, hungry and depressed,” Kayirere said.“Their bodies are more susceptible to illness, physically frail, and many are on medication. They were severely injured during the genocide...finding nursing homes would make a difference.”Kayirere added that widows are at risk of malnutrition, because they cannot afford nutritious food.“Cooking every day may also be too much of a physical or mental strain. The widows need full-time care... nursing homes are sometimes the only answer, but it is expensive.”Juliana Mbashyikiri, one of the widows aged 75, admitted that most of them were lonely and had daunting lives. She said most widows lived alone in houses and that they desperately needed help from everybody.“I know of a widow who was born in 1910...she lives alone and finds it impossible to cook food. Unless such people get assistance they won’t live long,” she said.Meanwhile, Avega will soon release a book that is a compilation of the widows’ photos and profiles. Widows above 70 years, sick, with disabilities or traumatised, will feature in the book.“The purpose is to give the public a chance to choose individuals to help”.
