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

key measures and areas of action

Social Watch Gender Equity Index

Recent GEI trends (2004-2007)

GEI values in 2007