Getting to Know the Women: PFR's Women's Cooperative

Phelomene Mukantagwe

Age: 43

Has 3 children

Shortly after the 1994 genocide, I attended a nationwide conference held by Prison Fellowship Rwanda. The conference attracted war criminals, ex-prisoners, and survivors of the genocide. The conference allowed me to meet many people who had struggled during and after the war. We had discussions, prayed, and heard teachings on reconciliation. I realized that I could move on only with God completely in my life, and so I gave up my life entirely to Him. The conference allowed me to meet other women who had experienced the same thing that I had experienced in 1994. We decided to work together and, with PFR’s help, form our business cooperative.

I now have the opportunity to share in the lives of these women on a regular basis. I feel comfortable having discussions with the women. I am part of a community, and this has changed my life.

Médiatrice Mukakaramaga

Age: 54

Has 6 children

I joined the Women’s Cooperative in 1995 when it first formed. Prison Fellowship Rwanda identified women who had been raped during the war and thereafter tested positive for HIV. We had the opportunity to speak with counselors to work through the trauma that we had experienced. The counseling sessions were extremely beneficial to me. I was eventually able to accept my life and choose to continue to live. I learned about my value, about my skills, and about the beauty of community. I celebrate my newfound hope in this Cooperative.

God is my guide. He gets me through.

Séraphine Kagaju

Age: 51

Has 5 children

I am a survivor of the genocide. I have been with Prison Fellowship Rwanda since 1995, when it was founded. Before coming here, I felt very alone in my trouble. The Women’s Cooperative has given me a new sense of community and renewed feelings of belonging. I am able to talk and discuss my past and my ambitions with the other women. I can identify with them, and I can laugh with them. I am no longer alone.

Eugenie Mukampazimpaka

Age: 42

Has 6 children

Prison Fellowship Rwanda has offered me so many things since the 1994 genocide. I am an important part of a group, and I make valuable contributions to the group. I have loved my involvement in the Cooperative. I enjoy the company of the other women, and I appreciate that our efforts are collective. We continue to learn about ourselves and discover new abilities. We have come so far since we began.

I am reminded every day that God tells us to call on Him, and if we do so, He will never fail to answer us.

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Coming up in the next blog post: Photos of the women's products!