Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have largely attributed Africa’s underdevelopment to gender inequality.

They were speaking during a meeting with the House of Deputies’ Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Gender, and the Senatorial Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance at Parliament on Wednesday.

The meeting was aimed at gathering information about gender equality and women empowerment in Rwanda with regard to the Maputo Protocol.

The protocol calls for elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in partner states.

"Africa’s development is still being hindered by GBV,” said MP Francisca Domingos Tomas, head of the delegation.

Domingos is leading a delegation of four members of PAP’s Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and the People with Disability.

"When you empower a woman, you are empowering a community. However, this seems impractical in Africa.

We have to join hands and fight for women empowerment,” said Domingos, a legislator from Mozambique.

The national Constitution provides that women must constitute at least 30 per cent of all decision making organs.

At least 64 per cent of seats in the Lower House are occupied by women, a world record.

Apollinaire Mushinzimana, the chairperson of Senatorial Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Good Governance, said Rwanda has addressed issues of gender inequality through family promotion policies. Mushinzimana’s comments were echoed by Sen. Marie Claire Mukasine.

Polygamy still a challenge

Among other issues cited by PAP members was the African tradition of polygamy.

MP Domingos lauded Rwanda’s laws for restricting polygamy saying it is one way to ensure stable families.

"You can’t have many wives, dozens of children and expect a peaceful family. Polygamy should be restricted if we want safe families that are economically and socially empowered,” Domingos said.

Caroline Akoun, another PAP member, said their experience in Rwanda would provide them with relevant information to advocate for women rights and gender equality.

According to official figures, between July and August, this year, 567 cases related to GBV and child abuse were reported across the country, where 12 people were killed and over 60 others seriously assaulted either by their spouses, neighbours or relatives.

Between 2012 and 2013, 25 men were killed by their spouses and 67 women killed by their husbands in the same period.