Women and the genocide: "Take your machetes and kill all the Tutsis."

You always hear about how conflict affects women and children. It’s true. Men usually do the fighting while women and children suffer the consequences and bear the brunt of the conflict. When men die, women are left alone to head to household. Those who have been raped bear the mark. But I started to wonder if women had played a role during the genocide. I have never seen a picture of a woman holding a machete or standing next to bodies. I had never really heard of a woman standing on trial for genocide. Their murderous role has been put aside, often leading to impunity. Those who committed crimes exploited the image of innocence spread by the world. Yes, many women suffer during conflict, but some also play a role in the continuation of conflict.
I went to the genocide prevention centre and found some literature on the role of women during the genocide. Murderous campaigns against the Tutsis started in the early 1960s and women played an increasingly violent role. Many didn’t need encouragement (although some were indeed threatened, beaten and forced to kill). Some women were among the leaders. They established lists of Tutsis, they participated in attacks, incited hatred and genocide, denounced neighbors and even husbands, killed their husbands and kids, some even encouraged rape. They were teachers, school girls, nurses, doctors, nuns, local representatives, politicians, journalists (“The graves are not yet full. Fill them up” said one RTLM radio journalist). Local representatives and ministers played an active role: Rose Karushara distributed weapons and decided over life and death. Doctors and nurses refused to treat patients. Two ministers, including the Minister of family and Women’s Rights, heavily participated in the organization of the killing, including the elimination of political opponents. They personally kept an eye on some operations. Why did they do it? Extremism, power, money…
Some are in prison now. I have seen a few. Many fled to Tanzania, Congo, etc. Some still live in Kigali even.