Agathe Uwilingiyimana (1953-1994)

Martyred Prime Minister of Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda was the scene of intense conflicts in the second half of the 20th century, where the clash between the country’s two ethnic groups, the Hutus and Tutsis, culminated in one of the bloodiest genocides in African history. It was in this country that a female politician was raised and emerged, who, from a young age, stood out for promoting charitable actions and called for an end to the conflict between the two ethnic groups. Her dedication ultimately led to her death in 1994.
In Hungarian Journal of African Studies' series of female portraits, readers can learn more about Agathe Uwilingiyimana, the Rwandan woman who fought extensively for broadening education opportunities for girls and women and expanding their access to further studies.