Liberata Kayitesi, wearing an orange cloth adorned with birds, makes baskets and other objects from raffia. "We start from the center. We use a needle and hard herbs to make a durable object. It takes three days to make this basket."

After the genocide, many Rwandan women found themselves alone having to support their households. "The survivors had nothing to eat, it was difficult to dare go to the fields. Some no longer had husbands, others had their husbands in prison. And those whose husbands were present, they were poor. It was very difficult to sit with those whose close ones killed yours. And they probably thought that you had their close ones imprisoned. It was difficult to be comfortable in the company of others. But after having started, this feeling gradually dissipated."

Group work as salvation

Liberata Kayisi is also the cooperative's accountant. Working in a group has significantly improved her income.

"Before, I did the same activity, but it was not profitable. When I joined the cooperative, it allowed me to earn more money and it gave me better exposure. It gave me a certain stability in my household. I was able to pay for my children's schooling, and also for health insurance. And at the same time, being in a group has improved my life. When I am alone, I think a lot about the past, but when I am in a group, it gives me a lot of strength."

Now, the cooperative works for different suppliers. "It gives us the possibility to supply the market. A single woman could not meet this demand. Together we produce in sufficient quantity and on time."

No time to waste then. About ten women weave in the shade, but in a friendly atmosphere. "We talk a lot. We help each other a lot. After the genocide, everyone stayed in their corner. We women were really poor. Getting together allows us to earn our living, but it also helps us to heal."

"It is very precious."