Rwanda Genocide Survivor, Political Exile, and Inspiration: Drocella Mugorewera
- Rwanda Genocide Survivor, Political Exile, and Inspiration: Drocella Mugorewera Daniel Mainwaring 31:40
In 1994, Drocella Mugorewera was a young mother when Ethnic tensions between Hutu’s and Tutsi’s rooted in colonial divisions boiled over and led to a horrific genocide in Rwanda that cost up to one million lives. Drocella fled to the comparative safety of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo before returning home determined to mold a better society in Rwanda.
She quickly became a government minister focused on forging an inclusive and peaceful society from the ashes of horrific events. But, her hopes for the future were largely unfulfilled as the increasingly authoritarian regime of Paul Kagame meant political dissent could no longer be tolerated. Fearing for her life, Drocella fled her homeland once again before finding refuge in the USA. There, she established herself as a campaigner for the rights of women, refugees, and an advocate for diversity. Ironically, as a young woman she earned a scholarship to study in the Ukraine — another country now devastated by war.
Having seen the horrors of divisive politics. She is an inspirational figure full of hope and the desire for peace. In this episode I discuss her work as a diversity consultant. Her feelings about Rwanda, Ukraine, and war and conflict in general. A truly faith filled woman who somehow remains positive about he future despite seeing the worst of humanity.
Official Website: Drocella
Music: Pixabay
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