During the 1994 genocide, Rwandan women were subjected to massive sexual violence, perpetrated by members of the infamous Hutu militia groups known as the Interahamwe. Among the survivors, those who are most isolated are the women who have borne children as a result of being raped. Their families have rejected both them and their children, compounding their already unimaginable emotional distress.
An estimated 20,000 children were conceived during the genocide in Rwanda, and many of their mothers contracted HIV during the same encounters that left them pregnant. They feel they have lost their dignity, are alone and utterly powerless.
Intended Consequences chronicles the lives of these women. Their narratives are embodied in portrait photographs, interviews and oral reflections.
Foundation Rwanda
No existing government or NGO programs have been created to support children born from rape and the specific needs of their mothers. Foundation Rwanda was established to improve the lives of these children by:
1) providing funding for their secondary school education,
2) linking their mothers to existing psychological and medical support services, and
3) raising awareness about the consequences of genocide and sexual violence through photography and new media.
Help bring healing to mothers and hope to children. To learn more please visit: www.foundationrwanda.org
Amnesty International
Violence against women and girls represents a global health, economic development, and human rights problem. At least one out of every three women worldwide are beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70% in some countries. The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) is an unprecedented effort by the United States to address violence against women globally.
An estimated 20,000 children were born from rapes committed during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Intended Consequences chronicles the lives of these women. Their narratives are embodied in portrait photographs, interviews and oral reflections about the daily challenges they face today.
Note: Not all comments will be posted due to space and time constraints.
Tenzin Dorjee -- Toronto, ON, Canada
Dec 8, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Sometimes I really wonder any human being is capable of doing such an act. And then work like yours remind me there are and we are all responsible. We all must speak and fight for those who are helpless. I am sincerely thankful for this story, it touches my soul. Jonathan, your work is powerful.
tanaka -- tokyo
Dec 6, 2008 at 1:01 PM
so sad to see things like these happened in the world and the were no urgent rescue that have been done, my prayers and thoughts will be with them and those who still suffer the consequences of the war
Naomi Kayne -- Columbus Ohio USA
Nov 30, 2008 at 10:51 AM
We read so much about these situations, but it is only with personal stories and visuals such as those we see in this amazing film, that we can really understand the hate and suffering in this world - and be called to action. Thank you.
Asaf lerman -- Israel
Nov 21, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Horrifying and inconceivable pain delivered with a masterly composure. It is only thorough the tenderness of your heart that this terrible reality becomes somehow accessible to me. This is a story that can not be forgotten and a work to be remembered. Thank you
Adelia -- Brasilia. DF, Brasil
Nov 14, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Those stories are outrageous! The whole world should fight against violence towards women, because these are crimes against humanity itself, not only against women.
Lennart Maschmeyer -- Singapore
Nov 11, 2008 at 3:10 AM
Great work. I feel like through your pictures I am looking directly into the soul of these people and the hell they went through. It made me cry. I hope many will see this.
Michael -- Princeton, NJ, USA
Nov 2, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Another stunning work. Job well done.
Roberto -- Roma, Italy
Nov 2, 2008 at 9:02 AM
My compliments for this amazing and heartbreaking story.
Alessandro Vincenzi -- Madrid, Spain
Oct 30, 2008 at 7:46 PM
I think you have done one of the most powerful and beautiful things i have ever seen. My best compliments!!!
Caroline Sumner -- Richmond, VA, USA
Oct 29, 2008 at 3:48 PM
This is so beautifully done, so terribly heartbreaking, and so important. I wish everyone would watch this and be moved to act. My compliments and prayers to all those involved.
Photography & Interviews: Jonathan Torgovnik
Producer: Chad A. Stevens
Executive Producer: Brian Storm
On-Location Video: Jules Shell
Studio Video: Bob Sacha & Chad A. Stevens
Original Music: Pamela Chen & Sherman Jia
Graphics: Tim Klimowicz
Translation: Geoffrey Ngiruwonsanga
Narration: Rosette Adera, Yvette Rugasaguhunga & Hope Kantete
This project was made possible with support from Canon Europe.
Jules Shell, Lesley Martin, SURF - Survivors Fund, Aidan Sullivan, Cheryl Newman, Amy Yenkin, Yukiko Yamagata, Michael Famighetti, Melissa Harris, Diana Adkins, Melissa Robinson, Karen Robinson, Whitney Johnson, Peter Piot, Elisabeth Biondi, David Friend, Angelika Hala, Sue lapsien, Andreas Trampe, Marie Consolee, Audrey Jonkheer, Tanya Chuang, Jungwon Kim, Geoffrey Cowley, Amy Pereira, Simon Barnett, Sue Miklas, Jamie Wellford, Michelle Molloy, Paul Moakley, Beth Johnson, San Disk, Canon Europe, Kodak Professional, Newsweek Magazine, Getty Images, AVEGA, Grazia Neri
