The award recognizes Kayitesi’s significant contributions to the development of Rwanda’s literary sector, particularly in publishing, promoting a reading culture, and empowering individuals to tell their stories.
Kayitesi emphasized that the award is not hers alone but shared with readers, writers, and the youth who believe in the transformative power of storytelling.
“This award is not just mine—it belongs to readers, writers, and young people who believe that stories have the power to heal, educate, and unite us as a society,” she said.
One of Kayitesi’s major goals has been supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, using books and narratives to preserve history. She explained that literature allows survivors to share their testimonies, ensuring that their experiences are remembered.
“Stories carry powerful messages and values. When survivors share their experiences, it helps society learn from history, heal wounds, and continue building a better future,” she added.
Under her leadership, Inzozi Publisher has focused on publishing books that teach, preserve history, and promote social healing. The publishing house has also provided a platform for authors to release their works and reach wider audiences.
Kayitesi highlighted the growing role of women in advancing literature in Rwanda. She noted that many women are now engaging in writing, publishing, and promoting reading culture, which helps safeguard history and pass knowledge to future generations.
“Women are storytellers, educators, and leaders within their families. When women write, publish, and promote reading, they preserve history and empower the youth,” she said.
Kayitesi also spoke about the challenges of starting a publishing house, especially given limited resources at the beginning. She emphasized that perseverance, collaboration with professionals, and partnerships were key to bringing Inzozi Publisher to its current level.
Supporting genocide survivors to share their stories also requires careful leadership, as these narratives carry deep emotional weight.
She offered advice to young women and aspiring writers, encouraging them to trust in the value of their voices. Writing, she said, is not only an academic exercise but also a way to express one’s identity, culture, and life experiences.
The Women Book Awards 2026 brought together authors, publishers, educators, diplomats, and cultural leaders to celebrate women’s contributions to literature in Rwanda.
During the ceremony, books worth 200,000 Rwandan francs were donated to libraries and public reading spaces to promote a culture of reading. Copies of award-winning books were also printed for wider distribution to increase access for the public.
The event, held ahead of International Women’s Day, highlighted the critical role women continue to play in shaping Rwanda’s cultural, educational, and literary future.
For Judence Kayitesi, this award reflects her ongoing mission: to ensure that Rwandan stories—particularly those of genocide survivors, citizens, and youth—are written, published, and read by future generations.
Among her works are books like “Choosing Resilience,” which details her journey of overcoming grief and anger following the Genocide against the Tutsi, and “Choose Resilience,” which explores persistence and the efforts of survivors to rebuild their lives.
Judence Kayitesi Wins Top Honor in Publishing at Women Book Awards 2026