Recently, we were informed of Françoise Kayitesi’s death. Françoise was a lovely, caring woman who had experienced sexual violence and other horrific crimes committed against her and her family during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. As a result of the rape she endured during the genocide, Françoise was infected with HIV. Tragically, the HIV medication she was taking no longer worked for her. Françoise was only 48 years old.
Her story will live forth in the book “The Men Who Killed Me: Rwandan Survivors of Sexual Violence.” Françoise leaves behind four children, who now receive sponsorship money generated through the book’s proceeds.
In her testimonial, Françoise said: “I decided to share my testimony so that the world may know what happened to us in 1994. We must never let this happen again and must build a better world for our children.” Let us honour her hope.
Françoise, you were a very brave, sweet woman who was loved by us all. We will never forget you. May you rest in peace.
August 2010
