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November 4, 2023
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
November 4, 2023
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
November 4, 2023
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
Rest in Power: Lois Galgay Reckitt, Trailblazing Feminist Activist
11/2/2023 by Madelyn Amos
Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt in 2017. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Feminist Majority Foundation is saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and an inspiring feminist activist, Maine State Representative Lois Galgay Reckitt. She was 79. Rep. Reckitt was known as a relentless activist on behalf of women and dedicated her life to fighting for equality. She served as the executive vice president of the National Organization for Women from 1984 to 1987, where she fought for LGBTQ rights and to end violence against women.
Rep. Reckitt was the co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, the Maine Coalition for Human Rights, the Maine Women’s Lobby, and the first Maine chapter of the National Organization for Women. She also established the Family Crisis Shelter in Portland, Maine and successfully lobbied to protect victims of domestic abuse, leading to the passage of multiple influential bills. Her impressive resume led to her induction into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, Rep. Reckitt extended her talents to the Maine House of Representatives, where she served until 2022. She was unrelenting in her push to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in the Maine Constitution, bringing the amendment to a vote three times in the legislature.
. . . .
Maine Gov. Janet Mills also released a statement: “Representative Reckitt was a tireless defender of the rights of women and girls throughout her life, wielding her sharp wit and her sense of humor to bring people together and to make a difference for her community. As the long-time executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cumberland County and, later, as a legislator for the people of South Portland, Lois never stopped trying to make our state better for everyone. In a week already marked by such deep loss, I am devastated to lose her as well. I knew Lois for nearly five decades; she was a dear friend, and I will miss her deeply. I extend my condolences to her friends, her family, and her community during this difficult time.”
In the wake of Rep. Lois Reckitt’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable legacy. Her unwavering commitment to feminism and her tireless advocacy for equality stand as an enduring source of inspiration for us all. Rep. Reckitt’s passion and dedication will continue to fuel our efforts to honor her memory by pressing on in the fight for equality, justice, and women’s rights.
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/02/lois-galgay-reckitt/
November 4, 2023
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
November 4, 2023
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
November 4, 2023
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
November 4, 2023
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
Political Violence Threatens Our Democracy. How Do We Keep Candidates Safe?
11/3/2023 by A’shanti Gholar
A climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)—pictured here with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) as they launch the American Climate Corps on Sept. 20, 2023—has faced numerous death threats while in office and on the campaign trail. For women in politics, especially women of color, this is nothing new. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
Trump’s authoritarian Republican Party has pushed its followers to hurl violent threats at its enemies for years. Last month, we saw those followers turn on members of the Republican Party itself in the speaker’s race, and it made national headlines. But for Democratic women, receiving threats has become a normal part of public life since 2016, and it often goes overlooked and unreported. This has to change.
Emerge has more than 5,500 alums across the country, and more than two dozen state affiliates. We have strong relationships with our alums—that’s how we know that the climate of fear and intimidation continues to impact 2023 and 2024 campaign plans. Plus, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza War, Jewish and Muslim women leaders have to deal with a spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Some, like Sen. Jacky Rosen, (D-Nev.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar, (D-Minn.) have even received death threats. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Threats this fall are the latest instances of women in politics being targeted by extremists.
Sometimes, these threats of political violence against women leaders grab media attention because the victims are known national figures, as in the case of House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. And some of these threats have escalated into violent attacks, as in the case of Paul Pelosi. But more often than not, they go overlooked, especially for candidates running for state or local office, and women of color. Former Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris said she reported at least 26 incidents to the local police where she and her family felt threatened between 2016 and 2018 before she finally resigned. Women like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal have both been targeted, and for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, death threats have become a common occurrence.
. . . .
According to the Center for Democracy and Technology 2022 report, women of color candidates were twice as likely as other candidates to be targeted with mis- and disinformation online, and the most likely to be targeted with posts that combined mis- and disinformation and abuse. Being in the public eye and running for political office does leave candidates, both men and women, open to scrutiny. There should be a place for disagreement, civil discourse and passionate debate—but there is no place for violence and harassment, and we cannot let attacks on our democracy continue unchecked.
. . . .
https://msmagazine.com/2023/11/03/political-violence-threats-democracy-women-candidates-campaign-elections/
November 4, 2023
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
November 4, 2023
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
November 4, 2023
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
A march for the Sisters Not Strangers movement, a coalition of groups representing refugee and asylum-seeking women to end destitution and reject inhumane policies. Photograph: Courtesy of Women for Refugee Women
Global development
I never thought, 30 years after I fled Rwanda, life would be worse for female refugees
Alphonsine Kabagabo
Supported by
theguardian.org
About this content
Wed 1 Nov 2023 03.00 EDT
Thursday 7 April 1994. It was the day my life changed for ever. Growing up in Rwanda in the 1970s and 80s, I had grown used to discrimination from the government and from institutions because of who I am – a Tutsi. So when we heard that the Rwandan president, Juvénal Habyarimana, had died, we knew that it was over for every Tutsi person in Rwanda. My daughter was only six months old. What would happen to her? What would happen to me? To my family? Alongside my sister and her two children, my parents, and some extended family members, we gathered in a small building in the garden of my parents’ house, hoping the militia would not find us. But they did. “We are going to kill you,” they said. The words rang around in my head. My father gave them whatever he could find of value, and they eventually left. Knowing our location was compromised, we went to the Catholic church to hide – usually just a short walk away but it felt almost impossible to reach because of the number of soldiers in the street. Somehow, we made it.
. . . . .
A week after the beginning of the genocide, the priest told me someone was looking for me. I thought: “This is it – I am going to be killed.” I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Guy, my Belgian brother-in-law, was standing there in front of me. It is a moment I will never forget. It was a miracle! I felt safe for the first time in seven days. The miracle continued. I could not believe it. When they started killing people in the church, my mother fell to the floor and bodies had fallen on top of her. She lay there still for hours, afraid of being found. She was safe. My father, too, survived. From that point on, we were under international protection, and we were taken to Belgium. We were so lucky, but so many other people were left behind. My friends, my family. The brutality would go on for nearly 100 days, murdering almost 800,000 Tutsis.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
The wall of victims’ names at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
. . . . .
Today I am the director of Women for Refugee Women, a charity supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women in the UK to rebuild their lives on their terms. It was women who built me up, and sisterhood that encouraged me to rebuild my life, and to thrive. Twenty-nine years have passed. So, how is it that women like me, women in need of safety, in need of protection, no longer receive this welcome? No longer receive this support? I received my refugee status and was supported as I rebuilt my life –I was motivated to work, to form a community, and to give back to the people who had welcomed me. But the women we support at Women for Refugee Women are routinely disbelieved, randomly detained, and left to live in atrocious accommodation. They face cruelty instead of compassion, and further harm and hostility in the place of hospitality and hope.
?width=620&dpr=1&s=none
Alphonsine Kabagabo (rear centre) at No 10, delivering a message to the government urging more support for women’s rights. Photograph: Twitter/Women for Refugee Women
. . . .
War, conflict, violence, torture, rape, abuse. The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives increases every single day. Everyone deserves to live their life freely, joyfully and safely. I was one of the lucky ones. But luck isn’t enough. In the face of such horrors, we must stand in solidarity, use our voices, and welcome those in need of protection. One day love will win. And you can be part of making that happen.
Alphonsine Kabagabo is the director of Women for Refugee Women, and on the board of trustees at the Refugee Council.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/i-never-thought-30-years-after-i-fled-rwanda-life-would-be-worse-for-female-refugees
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