A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at McGill University has shed new light on the long-lasting psychological and social effects of sexual violence perpetrated during the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. This conflict-related sexual violence not only caused immediate and devastating trauma but also left enduring scars that transcend generations, shaping the lives of both survivors and their children born from such atrocities. The research, led by Professor Myriam Denov, offers unprecedented insights into the complex interplay of memory, trauma, resilience, and social stigma experienced by these families, revealing a nuanced narrative far different from prevailing stereotypes.
The Rwandan genocide’s brutal campaign of sexual violence resulted in the systemic rape of an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 women and girls. Many victims endured horrific acts of gang rape, leading to pregnancies and the birth of children amid profound trauma. These children, often labeled as “children of hate,” face acute societal ostracism, representing living reminders of one of history’s most harrowing genocidal campaigns. However, Denov’s investigation illuminates a powerful counter-narrative rooted in empathy, compassion, and resilience within affected families.
Central to this study is an exploration of the intergenerational dynamics between mothers who survived genocidal rape and their children, now young adults. Mothers wrestled with complex feelings of ambivalence and guilt regarding their children, often struggling to reconcile the painful realities of their conception with their roles as nurturers and protectors. These internal conflicts were compounded by the wider social discrimination faced by both mothers and offspring in their communities, ranging from economic marginalization to outright violence and rejection.
Children born from such violence confront unique challenges, many of which stem from the social rejection linked to their unknown or absent paternal identities. The lack of paternal recognition frequently obstructed essential aspects of their social integration, such as access to education, where paternal signatures are often mandatory on school registration documents. This bureaucratic hurdle is emblematic of the broader systemic barriers that perpetuate the marginalization of these young individuals.
An important dimension of the research involved direct interviews with 44 Rwandan women survivors and extensive engagement with 60 youth born of conflict-related sexual violence. This dual-generational approach provided a comprehensive view of lived experiences, encompassing emotional struggles, social dynamics, and the search for justice and identity. Notably, several of these youths actively participated as co-researchers, ensuring the authenticity and depth of the narratives collected.
One of the profound findings of Denov’s team was the revelation that many children expressed a deep desire for truth and transparency about their origins. Their curiosity and need for understanding often collided with their mothers’ difficulty in recounting the horrors of their trauma, creating relational tensions within families. Nevertheless, when mothers successfully disclosed their history of survival and sexual violence, it often fortified their bonds, cultivating empathy and compassion that bridged gaps wrought by violence.
The social environment surrounding these families remains fraught with stigma. Children born of rape frequently reported being targeted with verbal abuse and physical violence by extended family members, neighbors, and the broader community. Insults such as “little killers” or other pejoratives fueled feelings of alienation and psychological distress. These societal reactions mirror the enduring shadows of the genocide and the entrenched prejudices that persist even decades later.
Despite this marginalization, a notable emergence of peer support networks among affected youths has been documented. These groups fostered a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, often taking on familial roles absent or denied in their biological families. Such solidarity has been a vital factor in promoting resilience and providing emotional sustenance in the face of ongoing discrimination and trauma.
Denov emphasizes that these intergenerational memories are neither static nor forgotten; rather, they persist in daily life, often silently affecting the individuals and communities involved. While many of these young people seek formal recognition as victims of the genocide, they remain largely invisible within official reparation and reconciliation processes in Rwanda. The study calls for increased acknowledgment and support to address their overlooked experiences and validate their identities and suffering.
The research also underscores the critical importance of ethical responsibility when conducting such sensitive studies. Following data collection in 2016, all youth participants were offered free monthly group counseling sessions facilitated by a Rwandan psychologist over an eight-month period. This provision reflected a commitment to minimizing potential retraumatization and supporting psychological well-being among participants, a crucial aspect in research involving deeply personal and distressing histories.
Published in the Journal of Gender Studies, the article titled “Remembering to Forget: Intergenerational Memory for Rwandan Women Survivors of Genocidal Rape and Children Born of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” presents a meticulously detailed analysis, combining qualitative interviews with participatory research methods involving survivor and youth voices prominently. The study contributes significantly to academic discourses on gendered violence, memory studies, and post-conflict healing.
Funding for this impactful research was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts through the Killam Program, the Canada Research Chair Program, and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Such support underscores the importance of addressing the complex legacies of conflict-related sexual violence and the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding trauma and resilience.
Ultimately, Denov’s work reframes the narrative surrounding children born of genocidal rape, challenging simplistic and stigmatizing labels. Instead, it highlights stories of endurance, the capacity for empathy within families, and collective efforts toward justice and reconciliation. By giving voice to those often silenced or ignored in post-genocide Rwanda, this study sets a precedent for future research and policy aimed at healing generational wounds inflicted by mass atrocity.
Subject of Research: Intergenerational memory and experiences of Rwandan women survivors of genocidal rape and their children born of conflict-related sexual violence during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Article Title: “Remembering to Forget: Intergenerational Memory for Rwandan Women Survivors of Genocidal Rape and Children Born of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”
News Publication Date: 30-Jun-2025
Web References:
DOI Link
References: Study published in the Journal of Gender Studies.
Keywords: Social sciences, Political science, International relations, War, Civil wars
