My guest today shares an amazing story of surviving unspeakable tragedy during the Rwandan Genocide. Consolee Nishimwe is an author and genocide survivor who fled the violence in her community after the murder of her Father. During the genocide, neighbor turned against neighbor and the men (and boys regardless of their age) were specifically targeted and systematically murdered. Consolee tells the story of losing her brothers and running for her life to escape the violence. Eventually, she escaped and came to the US to begin rebuilding her life. Today, she shows us why love is the only thing that has healed her and why she doesn’t hate those who participated in the genocide.
Why should we speak out, when the world tells us to be silent?
Women around the world are facing the daily challenge of showing up in a society that would rather have us stay silent and unheard. Here in the U.S., we have so many privileges that I know I sometimes take for granted. It is important that we consistently take time to be grateful for not just the great strides women in the U.S. have made, but also to be thankful for the inspiring stories of women across the globe.
What does it take to survive the unthinkable?
In that spirit, here is a story of loss, suffering, healing, and redemption that has filled my heart with gratitude. Today, I have had the privilege of sitting down with Consolee Nishimwe. Consolee is an author, motivational speaker, and a survivor in every definition of the word. In 1994, the Tutsi people of Rwanda were killed by the thousands, including Consolee’s Father and brothers. Consolee, her mother, and her sister went into hiding and found the strength and faith to survive. She was just 14. Now, Consolee is sharing her amazing story with the world. She continues to be an advocate for survivors of violence and a staunch supporter of women’s rights.
How can we heal by sharing our stories?
It has been demonstrated that unless you’ve had the exact same experience as someone else, you don’t really know what it feels like. As Consolee explained what it was like for Rwandans to go into hiding or even to be exiled from their own countries, I couldn’t help but be reminded of this. I just have no idea what it is like to suffer as Consolee suffered, but my heart bursts with hope as she shared! I think this is why it is extra important for women to keep sharing their stories. We might not have gone through the exact suffering or struggle as another woman, but we can draw strength and hope from one another. As Consolee would say, “Only Love Heals.” We should try to spread love and healing together by sharing our stories.
Listening to Consolee share her story will give you the strength to bear any burden or face any challenge. Her memoir is truly a story of resilience, faith, and love. I know you are going to be moved by what you will listen to today. I went from tears streaming down my face to my belly being filled with laughter. Moved does not even begin to describe the sensation. Join Consolee on her path to healing. She will be glad you are here.
Episode Highlights:
• 1:00 – Intro to this episode with Consolee Nishimwe.
• 2:00 – What life was like in Rwanda for Consolee before the genocide.
• 4:30 – Normal life for Consolee was community oriented.
• 5:20 – When life started to change, and Consolee experienced classism.
• 6:00 – An explanation of the Tutsi and Hutu people groups, and early experiences with systematic oppression.
• 12:50 – How Hutus used identification cards and radio to propagate the hatred towards Tutsis.
• 15:40 – Growing up listening to hateful speech on the radio.
• 18:50 – Exile and what life is like in refugee camps.
• 22:00 – What “genocide” means to Consolee now that she is a genocide survivor.
• 25:45 – So many people were murdered, and why hiding was not easy.
• 33:00 – Consolee’s family miracle.
• 40:00 – The treatment of women during the genocide.
• 47:00 – How Consolee has survived despite her HIV positive diagnosis.
• 49:00 – Consolee’s mother was a pillar of strength and a constant reminder of faith.
Resources Mentioned:
The Fem Five:
1.Favorite Book For Women?
- Only Love Is Real by Brian Weiss
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- “I pray a lot and then I meditate, and then I drink tea…always find a reason to laugh.”
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- “My mother always reminded me that I should always carry love in my heart.”
4.Female CEO or thought leader you are into right now?
- Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5. A piece of advice you’d give your five years younger self?
- “Keep laughing and be happy.”
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