Esther Ibanga

Overview

Esther Ibanga born Nigeria April 18, 1982. Nigerian Christian pastor. Protested Jos massacres with peace march of 100,000 women and children, 2010. When killing continued, she joined Muslim woman leader Khadija Hawaja to found Women Without Walls Initiative, 2011; they led joint peace march with roses, 2014.

Quotations

"We want to do away with the walls that divide and separate us, whether it's the walls of social class or the wall of ethnicity or the walls of religion. . . We really cannot join the politicians in this fight. We are mothers. We are life givers and we are solution bearers. And we think that we should bring solutions to the table, rather than dwell on the problem." (Public Radio Iinternational, Jan. 14, 2015)

Immaculée Ilibagiza

Overview

Immaculée Ilibagiza born Mataba, Kibuye, Rwanda January 14, 1972. Tutsi survivor of genocide 1994; stared down man with machete; forgave mother’s and brothers’ killers; Gandhi Award for Reconciliation and Peace 2007.

Quotations

“The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. . . I knew that my heart and mind would always be tempted to feel anger—to find blame and hate. But I resolved that when the negative feelings came upon me, I wouldn't wait for them to grow or fester. I would always turn immediately to the Source of all true power: I would turn to God and let His love and forgiveness protect and save me.” (Left to Tell; photo immaculee.com)

Aloisea Inyumba

Overview

Aloisea Inyumba born Ugandan refugee camp December 28, 1964 (d. 2012). Rwandan senator. Minister of Family & Gender, 1994-99, 2011-12. Director, National Unity & Reconciliation Commission. Played key role in Rwandan recovery from genocide, overseeing the adoption of 500,000 orphans and the burial of 800,000 dead. Early member of Women Waging Peace Network.

Quotations

“In most conflicts, women are hurt most, so women understand most the importance of peace.” (Inclusive Security blog, Dec. 7, 2012)

“People should understand that by working together you reap the benefits as a community. That is the philosophy of the peace basket: The Tutsi, Hutu, and the Twa women weaving the peace basket together. We are weaving something together; we are building something together.” (interview with Michael Franks, Nov. 5, 2011, umuvugizi; photo focus.rw)