I’ve seen doors open. Sometimes two or three at once. Each one was an opportunity that, at times, might have felt like a curse, something that would haunt my mind, if only for a moment. But guess what? Stepping through them was always worth it. The experience was unmatched.
The last time I wrote an introduction for Umukarago, I urged readers to embrace each word. To feel it. To let it do what it was meant to do. In doing so, I created a door, one that you and many others stepped through. I may not know exactly what you found inside, but I believe it was something meaningful. Something worth your time. Something my team and I celebrated.
That hasn’t changed. You’ve shown us that the unexpected can happen, and that’s why we kept moving forward. The echoes of your love continue to resonate.
We’ve seen more women and young people not only submit their work to us but also read and engage with Umukarago. That has made a difference.
So, when we planned the release of Issue 5 for March 2025, we knew it was the perfect time to celebrate women as well as youth in the arts. Our common theme became “Echoes,“ a call for literary works that amplify the legacies of women and the creativity of today’s youth. This is also in line with the celebration of Women’s History Month and Youth Art Month.
For too long, women have been held back, faced injustice, and had their rights violated, especially in patriarchal societies. Over time, progress has been made, particularly in Rwanda, where empowerment initiatives have come to light. Now, things are better, though challenges remain. The pieces in this issue shed light on these realities through the unique literary lenses of our contributors.
And let’s talk about youth creativity. It’s everywhere in this issue. All our contributors are under 30, and they’re thriving. They don’t just create; they live their creativity. Issue 5 showcases their energy and voices.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. And as I always say, we are not the end. No, you are not the end. We are only the beginning, the bold beginning.
