Gender politics in Rwanda is very serious; it is not just a matter of equality of sexes, women promotion, etc, its goes deeper than that. Traditionally, at a time when in many cultures women were more like ornaments, there to cook and produce children, a woman had a special place in Rwanda. She was described as “Umutima w’urugo” (Soul of the home) without which the home would crumble. The wife was the husbands’ chief advisor and had a say in the day-to-day running of family affairs. That is why it was not difficult to pass many reforms that Rwanda is applauded for today. So, when it comes to protecting the girl-child, rest assured that the government will come out with all guns blazing and will give no quarter and defilement is the latest target after it was found to be on the rise. The age of consent in Rwanda is 18 and even if the victim is a day shy of his or her 18th birthday, it may be described as statutory rape in the US, but in Rwanda, it is defilement and is one of the most serious crimes in the book. As of August this year over 3,500 cases had been reported and there is no sign that they will end soon. One obstacle that law enforcement continues coming upon is of parents of victims covering up for their child’s violators opting instead for “arrangements” between both parties. Authorities seem too overwhelmed by the increasing figures and seem ready to use whatever weapon to curb it, but they should count their lucky stars: in a certain neighbouring country the age of consent is said to be 12 and giving birth around that age is celebrated, a sign of fertility.
