Amata Giramata

Amata Inès Giramata is a Rwandan poet, blogger, feminist and community organizer. She is the founder and chief executive of Sistah Circle, "a black feminist and womanist grass roots community dedicated to black women's lives and narratives. She is considered one of Rwanda's leading poets having performed at the 20th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Washington DC, in the US and the 20th Liberation Day at Amahoro Stadium in 2014; the 2015 Rwanda Day in Atlanta and recently at the 25th Liberation Day at Amahoro Stadium on July 4, 2019.

Quotes

"Giramata on her budding career as a poet" (2017)

"Giramata on her budding career as a poet", newtimes.co.rw (May 03, 2017)

• It’s been a tremendous honour to work with such strong young women because they continue to teach and push me in various ways.

• Poetry is some people’s source of income.

• People do not understand how fast a culture can disappear without art especially a country whose culture is art in itself.

• I hope my writing can help people to see life in a different light and encourage mental emancipation.

• Poetry has the ability to open up the space for many Rwandans to participate in conversations about social issues, mainly those that are taboo.

• Poetry can push our boundaries of “speech freedom”, which will allow us to encourage a generation of critical thinkers.

• That I am that color USUALLY ARTISTICALLY COMPATIBLE with that of ancient the walls.

• To embrace “WHAT” I AM TO MANY NOT “WHO” I AM.

• I am a product of the hurt, chained, restless and once hopeless, but your grammar is wrong, there’s no full stop so don’t force it.
• Yes, we are proud, to be Rwandese So proud that we would burn our breasts like Ndabaga.
  • Giramata's potential. giramatans.wordpress.com (January 13, 2015)