On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, a spark of hope was ignited in Ruhina Cell, Gatwa Village, as Visionary Women for Development (VWD) took a bold step to address a heartbreaking family conflict. Partnering with the dedicated “Friend of Family” (Inshuti y’Umuryango) volunteer, Mrs. Ndererimana Solina, the VWD team visited the home of Havugimana Elias Mabati and Nyiransabimana Leocadia.
The visit was urgent, as the family was living under the heavy cloud of domestic conflict. The VWD director swiftly arranged the intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of Nyiransabimana Leocadia, a woman whose life had been overshadowed by fear and uncertainty.
First Steps Toward Healing
During this initial visit, the team had a heart-to-heart conversation with Leocadia, who courageously opened up about the struggles she faced. Although her husband, Elias, was away at the time, the VWD team left her with words of comfort and encouragement, reminding her that she was not alone in this fight.
Leocadia, who had been visibly distressed at the start of the conversation, began to show signs of relief by the end of the session. Her smile, captured in photographs, symbolized a glimmer of hope breaking through her despair. This was just the beginning of a journey toward peace and reconciliation.
Unveiling the Conflict
The conflict, as reported, stemmed from Elias’s troubling behavior. He had created an environment of fear, tormenting and harassing his wife to the point of threatening her life. Such actions demanded immediate intervention, and VWD rose to the occasion with the support of local leaders, neighbors, and security organizations, including the Rwanda National Police and the District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO).
The week of October 17–22, 2022, was particularly harrowing for Leocadia, as Elias had reportedly promised to end her life during this time. Although she survived, the psychological toll left her in constant fear for her future.
A Community-Driven Solution
VWD, with its expertise in conflict prevention, management, and resolution, is determined to find a lasting solution for this family. The approach goes beyond addressing the symptoms; it focuses on transforming mindsets. By working closely with local leaders and the community, VWD aims to rebuild trust, respect, and mutual understanding within the Mabati household.
Regular follow-ups, counseling sessions, and collaborative monitoring by neighbors and security agencies are part of the comprehensive plan to ensure safety and restore harmony.
A New Chapter of Hope
While challenges remain, the intervention by VWD has already begun to make a difference. The courage displayed by Leocadia in sharing her story and the swift action taken by VWD are testaments to the power of community and compassion.
At Visionary Women for Development, we believe no family should live in fear. Together, with our partners and the community, we are committed to helping the Mabati family—and countless others—reclaim their peace, dignity, and hope for a better tomorrow.
