As Rwanda gears up to host the Women Deliver Conference next week, Rwandans are reflecting on the strides made towards gender equality in the country. While recognising the significant achievements thus far, there is a consensus on the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas. The New Times interviewed several individuals who shared their perspectives on women’s empowerment, the challenges and successes, and strategies to achieve equality for everyone.

Benitha Usanase, Executive Assistant

The country has achieved significant strides in promoting gender equality within a relatively short span of time through the ratification of laws that safeguard women’s rights. These laws encompass crucial aspects such as equal inheritance rights for both genders, the ability to own a bank account, access to education, employment opportunities, and more.

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However, despite the progress, there are still gaps in workplaces that enable sexual harassment and discrimination against pregnant women. Furthermore, domestic violence affects both men and women, and sexual assault remains prevalent due to social and cultural norms. In that case, we still have a long way to go. Let us combat gender discrimination by empowering both men and women to make decisions. Together, let us continue to empower women.

Innocent Muramira, Lawyer

It is evident that Rwanda is making significant progress in achieving gender equality. This is supported by the increasing number of women holding leadership positions in various companies and institutions. There is a promising outlook for attaining complete gender equality in the near future.

The country’s policy aims to ensure equality for all in Rwanda, regardless of gender. However, there are occasions when additional efforts to raise awareness are necessary to achieve this goal.

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Brigitte Uwambajimana, Security guard

There’s been progress in promoting gender equality because presently, individuals of all genders can attain any position in workplaces, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.

Emmanuel Ndayisaba, Moto rider

There is still a long way to go in terms of implementation because some people misunderstand the gender equality policy, and abuse it when it comes to implementation. For instance, people tend to forget their responsibilities and attribute them solely to achieving gender balance.

The government has made progress in setting a positive example of gender equality, but there remains a pressing need for increased sensitisation and improved understanding among people regarding the true meaning of gender equality.

Mireille Girituza, Data analyst

The number of girls pursuing education in technical schools and sciences has seen a substantial rise compared to previous years. Also, there is an impressive representation of women in leadership positions, which currently stands at over 60 per cent.

However, I believe that the issue lies within families, as they have yet to fully grasp the concept of gender equality. They continue to hold onto traditional notions where certain activities are categorised as either "women’s or men’s activities.”

Samuel Ntirandekura, Cleaner

Gender equality is close to being achieved because of the significant changes that have already taken place. For instance, in my daily work, there is a team consisting of six employees, with an equal distribution of three women and three men. While in the past, there was a prevalent stereotype associating cleaning tasks primarily with women.

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Abduljabar Felix Gakuba, Sports journalist

I have lived in Rwanda before and after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and there are various differences in the treatment of women, the country has undergone a transformation, with two distinct periods.

In the past, women, especially in rural areas, were marginalised, and parents often prioritised sending boys to school.

Consequently, illiteracy rate among women was high, as they were expected to remain home for domestic duties, such as cooking. However, the situation has changed over time, and today, girls have more opportunities and are no longer confined to traditional roles.

But, there is still work to be done, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that gender equality becomes a tangible reality.

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Emma Daniel Ishimwe, Artist and founder - Give Them Hope Rwanda

Gender equality in Rwanda can be achieved in the near future, thanks to various factors that have been implemented to ensure equal sharing of opportunities. One tangible example is that the level of women’s empowerment used to be very low, but today women have been empowered in different sectors like politics where Rwanda has 61.3 per cent of women in Parliament. Men and women in Rwanda now share opportunities and have their rights.