Three officials were sworn in yesterday at the Supreme Court as administrators of the newly instituted Gender Monitoring Office.

Oda Gasinzigwa is Chief Gender Monitor, Eugenié Kabagema, the Deputy Chief monitor in charge of fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV) while Cyrille Turatsinze was sworn in as the officer in charge of Gender.

The establishment of the Gender Monitoring Office is in fulfilment of article 185 of the constitution which provides for this independent public institution as a reference point on matters relating to gender equality.

Non discrimination for equal opportunity and fairness are also part of the institution’s strategies.

The ceremony was attended by among other senior officials, the Chief Justice Aloysia Cyanzaire and Prime Minister Bernard Makuza together with other cabinet ministers.

During the function, Cyanzaire advised the newly sworn-in officials to uphold the principles that they have vowed to respect to ensure that future generations build the nation based on these principles.

"Your work in this office has been made easier by the fact that our government is in full support for gender equality but it is your duty to identify the areas that need to be strengthened so that gender contributes to sustainable development,” Kyanzaire added.

Citing GBV as one of the constraints to increased participation of women in Rwanda’s development, the Chief Justice emphasised that the new officials do whatever it takes to ensure that every Rwandan fully enjoys their rights.

"Many women out there in the world would like to actively participate in their countries’ development policies but unfortunately, they are not given a chance. Rwanda supports this cause so you should champion it,” She said.

Although Rwandan women have a 56.2 percent parliamentary representation, Cyanzaire disagrees that Gender performance be based on such numbers instead, she stresses that evaluation should be based on their impact on development.

Gasinzigwa promised that their office would work hand in hand with other government institutions such as the national institute of statistics to ensure that proper research is done on gender issues. Decisions can then be based on findings.

"We will cut across all sectors of the economy, identify gender performance and give reports that reflect the gaps in the development system which will be a basis for decision making,” she said.

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