RWANDA

Why does Rwanda occupy such a high GEI position? Its surprisingly good performance is related to the recent implementation of affirmative action policies involving legally binding regulations, sometimes of a constitucional nature, designed to promote change in social factors, including structural ones.

The following are examples of rapid changes that have taken place in this country over recent years:

  • 30% of decision-making related positions were assigned to women;
  • local funds and micro-credits were provided for production projects led by women;
  • in 2003 Article 187 of the new Rwandan Constitution formalised equity promotion structures such as the National Council of Women;
  • a Gender Issues Monitoring Office was created, to facilitate the participation of women in public life and to ensure that development initiatives are egalitarian in generating benefits for both sexes.

As a result of these changes many women entered public life as political leaders. In the Chamber of Deputies seats held by women increased to 48.8%. There was also a significant increase in the participation of women at ministerial and local government levels.

The most interesting conclusion to be made is that a high level of economic development is not necessary in order to implement effective gender inequity reduction measures.

GEI Rwanda

Empowerment

Gaps

Professionals and Technicians Gap

Managers and Directors Gap

Parliamentarians Gap

Ministerial Gap

Empowerment gender gap

2004

no data

no data

96

05

50

2007

no data

no data

95

67

81

 Economic activity

Gaps

Activity rate gap

Income gap

Economic activity gender gap

2004

88

no data

88

2007

95

74

85

Education

Gaps

Literacy gap

Primary enrolment gap

Secondary enrolment gap

Tertiary enrolment gap

Education gender gap

2004

96

89

no data

50

78

2007

98

100

no data

62

87

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key measures and areas of action

Social Watch Gender Equity Index

Recent GEI trends (2004-2007)

GEI values in 2007