If you are planning to get a job during your long vacation, that’s a good plan. ‘Vac’ is the perfect time to gain work experience, especially if the work you are doing is aligned with what you intend to study at the university.

Whether it is internship, volunteerism or contractual work, you have a right to choose what you want to do. Article 37 of the national constitution states: "Every person has the right to free choice of employment.” Therefore, do not let anyone stop you from going after an opportunity if you are qualified for it.

Once you have started working, and if you and a group of people have the same job description, do not let anyone exploit you by paying you less than the rest. Article 37 further states that persons with the same competence and ability shall have a right to equal pay for equal work without any discrimination.  

Unfair pay is one of the challenges that a young person is likely to encounter at a workplace. Yes, it is good to gain experience and yes, you should count yourself lucky if you find a job during vacation because jobs are not always easy to come by.

However, this doesn’t mean you should allow your rights to be tampered with. For instance, do not let anyone tamper with your integrity by way of sexual harassment. Know that sexual harassment is punishable under Rwandan law and therefore you are always protected.

Article 203 of the penal code states: "An employer or any other person who sexually harasses his/her subordinate by way of orders, threats or terror for the purposes of his/her sexual pleasure shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six (6) months to two (2) years and a fine of one hundred thousand (100,000) to two hundred thousand (200,000) Rwandan francs.”

Also while you work, do not allow anyone to force you into doing work and/or running errands that are not lawful.

If anyone tries this stunt, tell them that article 667 of the penal code says that any person who fraudulently engages employees under his/her supervision  for his/her own interest or that of a third party shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six (6) months  to two (2) years and a fine of one million (1,000,000) to five million (5,000,000) Rwandan francs, or one of these penalties.