Musonera’s education and life possibilities are vastly different from the at-risk population that is served by Women for Women International. The typical Women for Women program participant in Rwanda is thirty-six, with four children. She has very basic literacy skills. She can read and write her name and complete simple math. Fifty-three percent have some primary education and only 18 percent have gone beyond grade six. As we walk toward the workshop, Musonera notes, “The women in this program are very strong. They have been through a lot and are taking steps to change their lives. I have a lot of respect for them.”
The course we attend is “The Economic Value of Housework.” There are twenty participants and a group leader. As we enter, the women sing to us again. Their words translate, “Thanks to God who made us as one so we can share and support each other.” The group leader opens by asking each of us to introduce ourselves. I tell them that my name is Lisa, that I am an American living in London, and that I am here today to learn more about their lives and experience. A program participant raises her hand, says something, and the group laughs. Musonera tells me, “She says her name is also Lisa and she wants to know if this means you are related to her.”
Beatrice, the gregarious course leader, is dressed in a brilliant orange dress and headdress. Her teaching style is direct. The women answer her in mostly hushed tones with their gaze averted. Beatrice addresses the group: “Do you give enough value to the work you do at home? Do you give it economic value? Do you understand its worth?”
Slowly the group participants raise their hands and share what they have already done today. Those with children wake early to feed them and cook the traditional porridge, Igikoma. They sweep or mop the floors, clean the dishes, and come to Women for Women International’s program. For many, this entails a walk of at least one hour each way. I glance at my watch. It is only ten thirty. Thus far in the day all I have done is had coffee, ridden in a truck, and danced. Beatrice asks the women if they showered before they left the house. She tells them it is important to take care of themselves, to be clean, to respect themselves and the work they do for their families. She asks if their husbands share the housework, and says, “If your husband is home and not working, he must share the housework and help with the children.” One woman responds, “ If he sees me breastfeeding, he might help a little. Mostly, he is upset if I do not prepare meals when he is hungry.”
