REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

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NATIONAL EVALUATION REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BEIJING DECLARATION AND PLATFORM FOR ACTION (1995) AND THE OUTCOME OF THE TWENTY-THIRD SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2000).

Kigali, September 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents List of abbreviations and acronyms INTRODUC TION I.OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN S EMPOWERMEN 1.1. Achievements 1.2. Challenges II. PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CRITICAL AREAS OF CONCERN OF THE BEIJING PLATFORM FOR ACTION AND FURTHER INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE TWENTY-THIRD SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. 2.8. 2.9. 2.10. 2.11. III. 3.1. 3.2. IV Women and Poverty Women and Education and Training Women and Health Violence against women Women and Fundamental Rights Women and Decision making Women s Economic Power Women and Armed Conflicts Women and Media Women and Environment The Young Girls INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Institutional mechanisms Measures adopted to promote gender equality and women s Empowerment REMAINING KEY CHALLENGES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTRE

2 4 5

6 6 8

9 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 16 17 18 19 20 20 22 23

4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4.

Existing challenges Priority areas Examples of measuresaddressing identified key challenges New commitments

23 25 25 25 26

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONY MS ARFEM BPFA CNLS COMESA CEDAW EDPRS FARG FFRP GMO GBV HIV/AIDS ICT ICGLR MDGs MIGEPROF MINALOC PNLP RIAM TRAC UN Association Rwandaise des Femmes dans les Media Beijing Platform for Action Commission Nationale de Lutte contre le Sida Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy Fonds d'Assistance aux Rescaps du Gnocide Forum des Femmes Rwandaises Parlementaires Gender Monitoring Office Gender-Based Violence Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrom Information, Communication Technology International Conference for the Great Lakes Region Millennium Development Goals Ministry for Gender, and Family Promotion Ministry for Local Administration Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme Rwanda Institute of Administration and Management Treatment Research for Aids Centre United Nations

INTRODUC TION The Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in September 1995, resulted into the formulation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action focussing on 12 identified priority areas. The Platform spelt out strategic objectives for each priority area and highlighted the measures to be adopted by Governments, UN institutions, international and local nongovernmental organisations to promote gender equality and empowerment of women. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was backed up by the legal instruments adopted during the 23rd Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in June 2000. Rwanda attended both conferences and supported the commitments and decisions taken. Upon return from the Beijing Conference, Rwanda worked in close conjunction with its development partners to define the national priorities focusing on nine Critical areas including equal share of power and responsibilities, fight against poverty, improvement of access for women to social services (education, health, management of the environment), promotion of peace and fight against violence against women, improvement of the judicial status of the woman, promotion of women through the media, support to women in particular situations, strengthening of mechanisms for the promotion of women, promotion, protection and development of the girl child. After 1995 Beijing Conference, evaluation reports were produced every other five years to assess the progress made in promoting gender equality and women s empowerment through implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Thus, Beijing + 5 was produced in 2000, Beijing+ 10 followed in 2004. The current evaluation report covers the period from 2004 to 2009. 1.1. Purpose This evaluation report seeks to critically assess the achievements registered in line with the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly, 2000. Besides the evaluation will identify challenges faced and suggest actions for further promotion of gender equality and women empowerment. 1.2. Methodology

The realisation of this report was mainly based upon information collected by means of a questionnaire of which development was inspired by the contents of both the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and the outcomes of the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly (2000). The questionnaire was distributed to all stakeholder institutions to be completed. The development of the questionnaire was preceded by a documentary review of existing relevant literature. Besides, consultations with resource persons were conducted to confirm or challenge the information from documents and field.

I.

OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN S EMPOWERMEN.

Rwanda has made tremendous achievements in line with the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, though some challenges still exist. This is illustrated through different initiatives taken. The following sections discuss the main achievements and challenges identified in the areas and in the format, as per suggestion by the guidelines. 1.1. Achievement s

Rwanda developed a National Gender Policy and its implementation strategy that were effective from 2004. The national gender policy is implemented across the development sectors from central to decentralized levels. The policy is currently under review to adjust it to changes that in the meantime took place in the country. Two approaches characterize the National Gender Policy: gender mainstreaming and empowerment of women. The strategic plan for the implementation of the National Gender Policy highlights key gaps, policy actions and milestones for each sector and for each year. Gender Focal Points and Gender Monitoring Office were put in place as mechanisms to ensure monitoring and to hold actors accountable respectively. The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion was established as a coordination mechanism for the implementation of the national gender policy. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was part of international conventions that inspired the development of Rwanda National Constitution in 2003, as transpired in Paragraph 9 under the preamble, and thus impacted on other laws. Specific strategic plan that covers Geneva recommendations (February, 2009) among others elements for the implementation of the convention is under preparation. Over the past decades, legislative and policy-making achievements have been registered in the promotion of gender equality and women s empowerment. They mainly include the National Constitution, Land Law, Succession Law, Nationality Law, GBV Law, Electoral Law, and Labor Law. Developed policies include mainly the Vision 2020, Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), National Gender Policy, Decentralization policy, Girl s Education Policy, and Labor Policy. Initiatives laying the foundation for the National Gender Budgeting were launched in 2003 but the actual process of engendering national budget started early this year with the sensitization phase targeting the Planning Officers and Budget Officers at the levels of Ministries and districts has been completed. The Budget Call Circular (BCC) has been developed and it is gender sensitive with the aim of issuing the national gender budget statement for the 2011-2012 financial year. The Millennium Declaration Goals (MDGs) are used as national framework for development as they inspired the National Vision 2020 and the EDPRS, which is a national strategy to implement the Vision 2020. Both the Vision 2020 and EDPRS highlight gender as one of the crosscutting issues along with HIV/AIDS, environment, youth and social inclusion. Important attention is given to MDG3 as so far gender parity has become a reality in primary education and 6

private universities. Efforts are being made to ensure gender parity in secondary education and public universities through effective implementation of EDPRS. The major government policy discussions and/or parliamentary debates focus on human rights and development issues through development of new policies and laws, and review of existing policies and laws. This materialized into major reforms including review of the following: national Gender policy and its strategy to facilitate gender mainstreaming in EDPRS sectors, family code, succession law, penal code to name a few. Also, promulgation of GBV Law and Land Law resulted from government policy discussions and parliamentary debates. However, implementation of these instruments is faced with major problems including limited dissemination of promulgated laws and policies, and limited enforcement measures for their implementation. Rwanda has been contributing to both nationally and internationally in addressing conflicts and post conflict situations resulting from armed conflicts. With regards to peace negotiations: women participated in peace building and peace keeping missions. Also, women participated in the International Conference for the Great Lakes Regions (ICGLR) process. Concerning planning of reconstruction efforts mechanisms have been put in place including GACACA Court jurisdiction (court inspired by traditional ways of trying criminals) to address crime committed during the 1994 genocide, Fund to assist genocide survivals (FARG) in different areas including among others education, economic support and health, and National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC). Through these mechanisms women have been playing a vital role, as illustrated among others by the appointment of women as heads of the GACACA (Rwandan Special Judicial Court System lead by the community people) Court and the National Unity and Reconciliation commission. Globalization has positively affected women s lives by increased involvement in trade. For example, the use of ICT through Telecenters installed by government in all districts has provided both men and women easy access to business related information. Efforts are being made to reduce risks and to build on opportunities for women through by publicizing. Rwanda has tied strong relationships with its development partners as illustrated by the various partnerships mechanisms to promote gender equality and empowerment of women. Thus, the National Gender Cluster serves as a forum that brings together Government and all stakeholders to exchange on how to further implementation of National gender Policy. Memorandums signed between sector Ministries and relevant stakeholders to promote gender equality in specific sectors are another illustration of strong partnership between Government and its development partners. Men and boys have not been left behind by Rwanda Government in its efforts to promote gender equality and to combat HIV/AIDS. HIV voluntary testing includes men, which impacts on women s health in general and reproductive health in particular has positively marked a great change in sexual behaviours. Another HIV testing involves pregnant women and their husbands. This is a government strategy to help couples know where they stand about HIV/AIDS. The condom use (by men mainly) campaign launched by the Ministry of Health resulted into

decrease of HIV/AIDS prevalence (from 3.6% for women and 2.3% for men in 20051 to 2.98% for women in 20082). Another strategy for women s health improvement in which men and boys are involved is community works called UMUGANDA . This contributed to decrease of malaria prevalence through removing bushes near dwelling places. This is good for women s health because malaria is one of miscarriage major causes. Rwanda Men s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), an association composed of men committed itself to fighting gender-based violence and promoting reproductive health. This contributes to significant improvement of women s health. However, implementation of these programs is constrained by some cultural barriers causing some men to engage in sexual intercourse without using condoms because they believe sex with condom is not pleasurable. Rwanda Government has initiated various developmental programs to mitigate impacts of climate change, food and energy crises on gender equality and women s empowerment. These are demonstrated through deferent programs involving active participation of women, such as the Vision2020 UMURENGE Program (VUP), Crop Intensification Programme (CIP), AGASOZI NDATWA (Best Development Achiever Village), Land Husbandry, Water Harvesting and rainwater blocker terraces, Rural Sector Support Project and Projet d Appui l Elevage Bovin Laitier. Programs on biogas energy, energy saving stoves, tree Planting and radical terraces are important programs that involve both men and women to address effects of climate change. 1.2. Challenges

Although significant achievements have been registered in line with promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, challenges still exist. These include limited sexdisaggregated data across the sectors, development and implementation of accompanying measures for more effective execution of legal measures in place, effective dissemination of policies, strategies and plans for ownership by implementers, establishment of stronger coordination mechanisms to ensure effective synergy among interveners, increasing access of women to bank loans for more active involvement in income generating activities, increasing access to obstetric services especially for rural women, reducing illiteracy rate among women and men, increasing women s participation in public institutions of higher learning, with more emphasis on science and technology.

1 2

Rpublique du Rwanda, Ministre de la Sant, TRAC, Rapport Annuel 2005, p.5 Rpublique du Rwanda, Ministre de la Sant, TRAC Plus, Has Unit Annual Report 2008, p.30.

II. PROGESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CRITICAL AREAS OF CONCERN OF THE BEIJING PLATFORM FOR ACTION (1995) AND THE FURTHER INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE TWENTY-THIRD SPECIAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2000). This section looks at the progress made in the implementation of the 12 critical areas of concern as highlighted in the Beijing Platform for Action (1995) and of the further actions identified in the Twenty-third Special Session of the UN General Assembly, 2000. Progress made is discussed under different components including successful policies, legislative changes, programs and projects. Successful actions taken to implement adopted policies and legal measures paired with commitments to further implementation of gender equality are also discussed, as suggested in the guidelines. Besides, the section discusses challenges experienced and lessons learned. 2.1. WOMEN AND POVERTY

Policy and legislative changes: important progress has been made in poverty reduction interventions. This is demonstrated through the adoption of policies including the Vision 2020, the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS), National Agricultural and Livestock Policy and National Gender Policy among others. Implementation of these important national instruments translated into increased employment opportunities through promotion of job creation and use of relevant technologies for improvement of economic production. Implementation of measures aimed at fighting poverty was accompanied by successful actions including but not limited to establishment of guarantee fund at the level of each District to grant micro-credit to women grouped into cooperatives; establishing a savings and credit Banque Populaire affiliated to the Union des Banques Populaires by the Associations of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda; establishing a saving and micro-credit cooperative (COOPEDU) by a women s association, DUTERIMBERE; land consolidation and green revolution, etc. Programs and projects: Specific commitments have characterized Rwanda Government in its effort to fight poverty and tackle its feminine face. These include among others, actions programs such as HIMO (High Intensity Labor) and UBUDEHE (Shared Labor Initiative) that cover majority of poor households with women being the vast majority among beneficiaries. In the same line of consideration, projects have been implemented and they include One Cow per Poor Household, Crop intensification, land husbandry, water harvesting and hillside irrigation, banana rehabilitation, market information system, among others. These projects involve local populations with a sizable number of women who in turn receive income to fight poverty. The rate of participation of women varies between 30% and 50% 3. This resulted into women s poverty decrease from 63.3% in 2001 to 60.2% in 2006 for households headed by women and from 67.7% in 2001to 59.9% in 2006 for households headed by widows. It is worth mentioning that the Teachers Savings and Credits Cooperative, called UMWALIMU SACCO, launched in 2008, and has already granted loans to 1,084 women (44% of its members)4.

3 4

Opcit, p.xvi MINEDUC, 2009

Successful action: despite identified challenges, Rwanda has registered successful interventions. For example, the Rwandan handcrafts through international commerce with support of the Ministry of Commerce, has been enjoying a vast market and resources from sells have positively impacted on lives of women who are significantly represented in this field. Other examples of successful actions include small industries for transformation: juice extracted from fruits, pineapple wine and banana wine. All these commercial activities involve a sizable number of women who have improved their living conditions. At present these women can meet their basic needs including shelter, food, school fees for their children, medical cover, among others. Challenges: the translation of these specific commitments into actions was hindered by obstacles and challenges that persist. These include limited employment opportunities, high rate of unemployment and underemployment (e.g. 56.2% of women were involved in non-paying agricultural activities as compared to 19.5% of men), high illiteracy rate (39% for women and 21% for men5), under-representation of women in wage-earning jobs (e. g: 6.6% for women as compared to 10.2 for men in 2006) 6; insufficient data on the labour market, reluctance of women to approach financial institutions (and vice versa) to apply for loans. All these obstacles affect more women than men. Lesson learned: it was observed that at the moment an activity classified as women s job starts brining in money, men join automatically and thus the activity ceases to be called women s activity. This can serve as a transformation tool as men and women involved in the same activity tend to enjoy gender sensitive relations. 2.2. WOMEN AND EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Policy and legislative changes: measures have been adopted to advance gender equality at all levels of education. The adoption of the National Gender Policy (2004), the launch of the Universal Primary Education in 2007, the adoption of the Girl s Education Policy (2008), the promotion of private universities are among other measures that uphold the level of gender equality reached in education in general. This is illustrated in the gender parity reached at primary education level and the increase of women s numbers in higher education that rose from 1,283 in 1997 to 15,465 in 20067. It is worth noting that pregnant girls are not expelled out of school and married women can attend school. Programs and projects: free and compulsory primary education, introduction of Nine Year Basic Education, the multiplication of centres of excellence through FAWE project, TUSEME (let us talk) Clubs at FAWE schools, the creation of GBV clubs in tertiary education, the construction of more facilities to address the thorny issue of accommodation for women and girls students, are among other programs that have boosted women s participation in education. Successful actions: gender parity has become a reality in private universities; FAWE schools have facilitated access to significant numbers of girls to science education. Separate toilets were constructed in 21 out of 30 district primary schools to stop girls drop-outs.
5 6

Republic of Rwanda, Rwanda Development Indicators 2006, Kigali, May 2008, p. xvi EICV2 7 MINEDUC, Statistics, 2008.

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Challenges: these include high rate of girls dropouts, limited participation of women in public tertiary institutions, very limited women participation in science and technology, limited women participation in decision making of various academic institutions, limited access to sanitation facilities causing absenteeism among majority of girls, lack of appropriate measures to accompany and support single mothers and school women, high rate of illiteracy among women, social stereotyping, cultural norms and practices according more value to boys than girls, among others. Lesson learned: FAWE projects have proved that girls/women can enroll for science and technology usually perceived to be subjects for men. 2.3. WOMEN AND HEALTH

Policy and legislative changes: the Constitution of June, 2003 (Art. 41) stresses that All citizens have the rights and duties relating to health . This provision has been translated into action through implementation of the National Health Policy and its strategic plan, and the HIV/AIDS Policy. This resulted into awareness raising of the populations reaching an important rate of women (94%) and men (98%) who know and practice at least one contraceptive method. As an indication of other tremendous improvements that have been made, for example, the rates in contraceptive prevalence with all methods rose from 17% in 2005 to 36% in 2008; Contraceptive prevalence modern methods: from 10% in 2005 to 275 in 2008; Delivery in Health Centres: from 39% in 2005 to 52% in 2008; Infant Mortality rate: from 86/1000 live births in 2005 to 62/1000 live births in 20088; maternal mortality rate: from 1071/100,000 live births in 2000 to 750/100,000 live births in 20069. Programs and projects: the medical insurance for the populations commonly called Mutuelles de sant (in its French version), the program that enables poor people, among whom women are the majority, to access health care services including reproductive health services. The establishment of Program National pour Lutter Contre le Paludism (PNLP), a program aimed at fighting malaria: pregnant women were identified as vulnerable group and were provided with bed mosquito nets, which contributed to the decrease of the number of malaria cases in hospitals, from 720,270 in 2005 to 464,823 in 2008, the coverage being 64.7% (more than the Abuja target which is 60%)10. Health Advisers, are advising pregnant women across the country to visit and deliver at health centres. This has increased assisted delivery, which rose from 39% in 2005 to 52% in 200811, hence contributing to the decrease of maternal mortality rate from 1071/100,000 live births in 2005 to 750/100,000 live births in 2008. The establishment of National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) and TRAC resulted into significant progress on HIV/AIDS prevention and response. Thus the number of VCT and evolution of PMTCT sites rose from 60 in 2003 to 313 in 200712.
8
9

Source: Interim Demographic and Health Survey, 2008. NISR, Kigali.

Republic of Rwanda, Millennium Development Goals-Country Report, p. xii Ministry of Health statistics, 2009. 11 Source: Interim Demographic and Health Survey, 2008. NISR, Kigali. 12 Report on Health Sector Review, 2008.
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Successful actions: they include but not limited to implementation of the health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Sant , construction of health facilities especially in rural areas, the work done by Health Advisers that increased assisted deliveries, hence contributing in reduction of maternal mortality rate, involvement of men in training regarding reproductive health, which promotes good communication and understanding in the field of sexual and reproductive health. Challenges: infant and maternal morbidity and mortality are still very high, limited access to obstetric services, lack of adequate heath facilities, insufficient assistance to women and adolescents in the field of reproductive health, populations still reluctant to go for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing, feminisation of poverty, high illiteracy rate among women, persistence of violence against women especially in the households, and limited power of women in decision-making in the field of sexual and reproductive health. Lessons learned: the more people take up the health insurance scheme, the less becomes the costs for medical care. Besides increased construction of health facilities paired with close collaboration between Health Advisers and pregnant women are a boost to efforts for reduction of maternal mortality rate. 2.4. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Policy and legislative measures: the recently promulgated GBV Law, No 59/2008, the inheritance Law of 1999 and the land Law of 2005 combine to address issues of violence facing men and women, with women being the majority among the victims. Efforts to address violence had been made even previously: a) Within the context of punishing the perpetrators of the genocide and other crimes associated with it, the Law of 30/08/1996 puts the perpetrator of sexual torture in Category 1 and makes him liable to a death sentence. The same law places persons who are found guilty of rape or of acts of sexual torture in Category 1 and they also face the death sentence or life imprisonment. b) For sexual violence against adult women committed outside the genocide, the Penal Code stipulates the following punishment: - Five years imprisonment for any type of rape [article 360 (1)]; - Death sentence if the rape led to death of the victim [article 360(3)]. c) The Penal Code of Rwanda also considers aggravating circumstances linked to the ascendant quality, authority, teacher or employee of the victim, civil servant, representative of authority or minister of a religious belief who abused their office, doctor, surgeon or birth attendant towards persons entrusted in their care, to the plurality of the perpetrators and to the serious impairment of the health of the victim (article 361). In these cases, those found guilty are liable to a prison sentence of ten to twenty years.

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d) It is worth noting that the sentence provided for rape can also apply to a husband in case he committed sexual violence against his wife. Furthermore, the offence of indecent assault is also punishable by the Penal Code (article 359). e) Physical violence against women is, irrespective of the author, third party or husband, is punishable by the Penal Code under articles 310 to 338, which provide for sentences ranging from temporary imprisonment to life imprisonment. Programs and projects: the sensitization campaigns and connected strategies that led to the attainment of the constitutional at least 30% women s representation in all decision making organs, the establishment of the Isange One Stop Centre within the National Police Hospital to give a holistic response to GBV survivors, creation of the Gender Desks within the National Police and the Ministry of Defence, establishment of free hot lines telephones (with strong support of telecommunication companies) to facilitate communication within the Ministry of Health, National Police and Ministry of Defence contributed to significant improvement in addressing violence. Successful actions: they include but they are not limited to creation of Anti-GBV clubs in schools and universities, translation of the CEDAW document into Kinyarwanda, the mother tongue, which facilitated dissemination to majority of Rwandans, development of an Anti-GBV Action Plan by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and establishment of a service charged with the protection of victims of and witnesses to SGBV crimes, which works within the framework of the Rwanda Prosecution Authority. Challenges: the culture of silence around issues of GBV, discriminatory socio-cultural behaviour and socio-economic inequalities, inefficient follow-up and rapid alert mechanisms in case of violence against women and the girl child, limited coordinated multidisciplinary approach to fight violence, which would involve the health system, protection at the place of work, the media, education system and the judicial apparatus, limited judicial assistance mechanisms to assist the victims of violence, lack of reception centres to house the victims of violence with a view to providing them with the necessary protection and moral rehabilitation, socio-cultural beliefs which consider rape to be a taboo and the psychological moral violence linked to the condition of the woman, hamper the exposure of cases of violence. Lessons learned: due to constant efforts in awareness raising, people especially women have started reporting cases of GBV including sexual violence. Some men have reacted through promotion of positive masculinity (creation of the Rwanda Men Resource Centre (RWAMREC)) to address gender inequalities in general and GBV in particular. 2.5. WOMAN AND FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Policy and legislative changes: Rwanda has, in addition to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its optional protocols, adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and has ratified other instruments related to women s rights including:

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The Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Marriage Age and Registration of Marriages concluded in New York on 10 December 1962 and approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 159/01 of 31 December 2002 (O.G. n 12 ter of 15 June 2003) ; The Convention on the Political Rights of Women concluded in New York on 31 March 1953 and approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 160/01 of 31/12/2002 (O.G. n12 ter of 15 June 2003) ; The Final Protocol to the Convention for Suppression of Trafficking in Persons and Exploitation of other People s Prostitution concluded in New York on 21 March 1950 and approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 161/01 of 31/12/2002 (O.G. n12 ter of 15 June 2003) ; The Optional Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children supplementing the Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime concluded in New York on 15 November 2000 and approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 163/01 of 31/12/2002 (O.G. n12 ter of 15 June 2003); The Convention on Married Woman s Nationality concluded in New York on 20 February 1967 and approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 164/01 of 31 December 2002 (O.G. n12 ter of 15 June 2003); The Optional Protocol to the African Charter of Human and People s Rights to Women s Rights in Africa approved and ratified through the Presidential Order n 11/01 of 24 June 2004 (O.G. n special of 24 June 2004). National legislation In addition to the Constitution of 4 June 2003 (O.G. special of 04/06/2003), the Rwandese legislation is composed of laws including provisions related to women s rights and the rights of the child. Those include but not limited to: The Law N 22/99 of 12/11/1999 to supplement Book one of the Civil Code and to institute Part Five regarding matrimonial regimes, liberalities and successions (O.G. n 22 of 15/11/1999); The Law N 47/2001 of 18/12/2001 instituting punishment for offences of discrimination and sectarianism (O.G. n 4 of 15/02/2002); The Organic Law n 16/2003 of 27/06/2003 governing political organizations and politicians (O.G. n special of 27/06/2003); The Organic Law n 17/2003 of 07/07/2003 related to presidential and legislative elections (O.G. n special of 07/07/2003);

Programs and projects: Rwanda has been implementing different programs and projects through the National Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman. This resulted into mobilization of women for their active participation in decision making, economic activities and education, among others. Challenges: they include high rate of illiteracy among women, lack of self confidence, poverty, heavy burden of reproductive works affecting time for women to involve in political and income generating activities, etc.

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Lesson learned: a significant number of women have realised that they should enjoy their human rights as men do and for that reasons some women s organisations have invested in awareness raising and advocacy activities for more women to fight for their rights. 2.6. WOMEN AND DECISION MAKING

Policy and legislative changes: the Constitutional at least 30% women s representation is considered at many levels of administration. This has been achieved due to measures adopted in form of policies and mechanisms put in place to promote women s leadership. Thus, the decentralization policy favours the representation of women at the various administrative levels: a department in charge of gender issues has been set up at the district and provincial level. Likewise, women s representatives (members of the National women s Council) become automatic members of the consultative committees at the level of the Sector and Cell. Political parties are required to include at least 30% of women in their list of candidates for the parliamentary elections. The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion which is mainly playing the role of policy formulation and coordination of implementation of gender related activities is significantly contributing for active participation of women in decision making. The National Women s Council, which is represented at all levels of administrative entities, is playing a key role in promoting women s leadership. Programs and projects: various programs and projects including awareness raising and capacity building programs have contributed to the realization of active participation of women at different levels of decision making as shown by the following figures: at central level Women Senators represent 35%, women parliamentarians represent 56.25%, women Ministers 38% and women State Ministers represent 40%13. In the Office of the Prosecutor General women represent 20% and 32% in the positions of Judicial Police at Higher Courts and Judicial Police at Lower Courts. At decentralized level, women Executive Secretaries of Districts represent 17% while women Executive Secretaries of Sectors represent 13%14. Successful actions have been recorded at some levels of decision making including the Parliament and Ministries, among others. Challenges: cultural barriers are still a serious hindrance to women s leadership, high rate of illiteracy prevents some women, especially at local level, from competing for certain posts, reproductive works consume a lot of women s time to the extent that they lack space in their daily schedule to be allocated to politics or decision making. Lesson learned: women can be as good leaders as men provided that they are given the space and the support required. However, some women still believe that women cannot be as good leaders as men.

13

Statistics of men and women in decision making public organ positions, Permanent Executive Secretariat for Beijing PFA Follow up, 2008
14

Gender Profile in Rwanda, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Kigali, Rwanda

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2.7.

WOMEN S ECONOM IC POWER

Policy and legislative changes: Rwanda has promulgated the Law on matrimonial regimes, liberalities and successions (1999), the land law (2005), the labour law (2009) which have been very instrumental with regards to economic empowerment of women as it sustains their access to and control over resources. The National Gender Policy, 2004 came as added asset as it advocates for women s capacity building and economic empowerment among other approaches, to address the feminine face of poverty. Programs and projects: implementation of economic empowerment program and related projects translated among other things into establishment of women s banking fund, greater access for middle class business women to credits availed both by banks and other financing institutions, opening and funding a credit fund at each district to help granting small loans to rural women for their self-promotion. Challenges: these include capacity building in relevant areas, very limited guarantee to facilitate access to credits, quality products to compete on international markets, weak reporting system, lack of sex disaggregated data, weak M&E system, women s shyness in trading activities and little experience with financial institutions, projects taking more or little account of women s strategic needs. Successful actions: the strong government support to women s handcrafts has boosted the economy of thousands of women. Thus, under the government support and guidance of GAHAYA Links, a basket weaving firm owned by women, today thousands of women (and even men) are involved in basket weaving. COOPEDU, the micro-finance company has granted credits to thousands of women who are excelling in their business. Lessons learned: given required skills and financial support, women are good business managers. Role models can play a vital example in promoting women s participation in business, as women can implement learned lessons more effectively with the support of role models. 2.8. WOMEN AND ARMED CONFLICTS

Policy and legislative changes: the recent promulgation of the GBV Law was an important milestone in addressing GBV. In fact the law covers also cases of violence including violence emerging from wars or armed conflict situations. The following initiatives were taken to ensure women s participation in both peace building and reconstruction efforts: -An emergency fund to assist genocide survivors (FARG: Fonds d Aide aux Rescaps du Gnocide ) of which the majority are women was established to pay orphans school fees, to provide shelter building for homeless survivors, to support income generating activities and to avail medical assistance to destitute survivors; -A fund was set up to assist orphan or children from poor families in paying their school fees; -A widows association for women survivors of April 1994 genocide ( AVEGA-AGAHOZO ) was established to handle both their social health and economic problems; -Different women s organisations are contributing regionally to peace building processes; 16

- Pro-femmes/ TWESE HAMWE , umbrella of women s organisations spearheaded campaigns for peace which insists in solving conflicts through active non-violence, mediation and conciliation; -Member organisations of Pro-femmes/ TWESE HAMWE have organised training sessions, workshops and discussion groups on human rights, tolerance, non-violence, unity and reconciliation and on peaceful conflict resolution, so as to underline women s role in peace making and keeping; -Different activities have been conducted in line with the implementation of the UN resolution 1325 to accord space to women s involvement in conflict resolution. Programs and projects: these include but not limited to sensitisation programmes run by the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission on women and their role in peace building and reconciliation. As a result of these programs, genocide survivors and women whose husbands are in jail for their participation in the 1994 genocide progressively and peacefully lived and even worked together. Women helped the government army during the fight against insurgents; some of them even took their relatives members of the insurgents who were hidden amongst their families and were handed over to the army for rehabilitation and corrections. Also women were involved in ICGLR process. Other programs are implemented under GACACA Court, and Great Lakes Peace and Security and the Refugee Repatriation Commission. Successful actions: formation of income-generation associations for women survivors of genocide and women whose husbands are in prison being charged for their participation in genocide. Ubutwari bwo kubaho is one of these associations, meaning in Kinyarwanda, in the courage of surviving . Participation of women in denouncing insurgents some of them being their relatives, is also another successful action carried out by women to build peace and national unity. Challenges: limited reporting of cases of sexual violence, limited access to services (medical, legal, psychological, etc...) needed by violence victims, limited access to sex-disaggregated data, inadequate material, financial and human resources to fill the gap resulting from genocide and war consequences both in the country and in the region, lack of sufficient number of women skilled enough in the area of conflict resolution, inadequate women s attendance in discussions and in peace negotiations, inadequate women s presence in decision making organs of the Army and National Security Services. Lesson learned: women have a different perception of wars and conflict situations. For that reason, they are likely to provide different scenarios of solutions which can enrich solutions proposed by men to come up with a comprehensive answer to any form of conflict. 2.9. WOMEN AND MEDIA

Policy and legislative change: a law on press/media was promulgated in 2002. Implementation of this Law led to important achievements. At present, most papers publish articles on women s concerns, both in urban and rural areas. La Voix du Genre or Voice of Gender A club of men and women, aimed at promoting gender equality in media, has been officially launched by the Minister in charge of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), in 2007. There is also a 17

specialised paper on the topic: Urubuga rw abagore , or women s platform , found in the paper KINYAMATEKA, in Focus on Beijing. Also, The NewTimes (Local English Newspaper), provides ample space to issues concerning women. Programs and projects: the radio Kinyarwanda drama commonly known under the name of Ikinamico is enlightening Rwandan populations on different themes. Promotion of gender equality and women s empowerment is part of the messages that the actors are conveying and it has an impact on education, politics, and business among others. Successful action: creation of the (ARFEM), an association of Rwandan female journalists. This association has been successful in awareness raising for women journalists to join together and ensure promotion of gender equality in media. The government has been providing the association with the assistance requested including capacity building and empowerment for its members. Challenges: limited participation of women in the press as professionals, limited access to information especially in rural areas, limited financial power to buy information, culture of. openness and disclosure. Lessons learned: women s participation in politics, business and education fields has increased due to Portrait of a woman , the weekly TV show among others. 2.10. WOMEN AND ENVIRONM ENT

Policy and legislative changes: Rwanda has a national policy on environment and a Ministry of State was recently created with an organ specialized in environment, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). The Organic Law n 04/2005 of 08/04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of the environment has come into effect since 1st May 2005 (O.G. n 9 of 1 May 2005). It determines especially the guiding principles for conservation and rational use of environment and natural resources. These are the principles of protection, sustainability of environment, equal opportunities among generations of men and women, among others. Several conventions on environment have been ratified and projects initiated in the biodiversity sector. Through the decentralisation policy, vast efforts were made towards integrating women into the local administration committees which play a leading role in defining and implementing environment based policies and action programs. Programs and projects: HIMO (high intensity labour) program employs significant women s labour force in activities related to land management and conservation. The other program is UBUDEHE (community based development program) which employs majority of poor households members whose majority are women and are directly connected to environment. Women are participating in all environmental projects implemented in rural areas and are getting support through Vision 2020 UMURENGE Programs (VUP). Energy issue that has repercussions on environment are addressed through use of biogas, energy saving stoves constructed in a sizable number of Rwandan families allowed women to save time they were

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spending collecting firewood, for other useful activities. The Kitchen Garden program is also bearing fruits in both supplying families with needed vegetables and protecting environment. Successful actions: introduction of energy saving stoves that have spared women from spending a lot of time in forests and bushes collecting fire woods. Biogas is also another alternative source of energy that is increasingly being utilized by Rwandan populations whose majority are women. Challenges: women remain lightly represented within the decision making organs in the field of environment, and they are still shouldering the burden of energy. Access to water and sanitation remains daunting. Lesson learned: once liberated from the heavy burden looking for means of providing energy to the household, the Rwandan woman can enjoy more time to involve in profit-making activities. 2.11. THE YOUNG GIRL

Policy and legislative changes: the National Constitution (Article 28) provides that every child is entitled to special measures of protection by his or her family, society and the State that are necessary, depending on his/her status, under national and international law. The law relating to matrimonial regimes, liberalities and successions recognizes the right of a girl to succession of her family property and the family code provides for consent as one of the requirements for the validity of marriage, which can be contracted only at 21 complete years of age. The Rwandese law prohibits economic exploitation of children, as the related international conventions to which Rwanda is party are included in its internal law and are, according to legal hierarchy, more binding than organic laws and ordinary laws. Programs and projects: implementation of programs and projects linked with these legal measures has led to specific commitments including establishment of the National Youth Council of which both girls and boys are members as per the constitutional Art 188. In implementing this provision, Law no. 24/2003 of 14/08/03 (Gazette of 3/9/2003 special edition bis) was adopted for organising and working of this Council. A school, FAWE, for girls education in excellence was opened; A women s National Council which is organised and represented from grass root to national level is a framework meant to take account of the needs and capacity of both women and young girls. There are a National Youth Council and many Youth / Clubs to fight GBV and HIV/AIDS. Rwanda has ratified the Convention on Children s rights; both the Rwanda s educational policy and girl s education policy highlights girl s education. Challenges: reinforcement of capacity building among women/girls to encourage an equitable share of domestic activities with men/boys, equitable representation of women at local level (District, Sector, Cell and Village), stereotyped labour and responsibility sharing in the home persist and are the base for overworking by women and young girls. Successful actions: as a result of the implementation of the 1999 inheritance law, girls are inheriting from their parents properties. Gender sensitive curricula have been developed and at present there are no stereotypes in textbooks. Girls living with disabilities are provided with special services with the Ministry in charge of local administration. Lesson learned: resistance to implementation of the inheritance law are still verified in different areas of the country.

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III.

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEASURES ADOPTED TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN S EMPOWERMENT.

3.1. Institutional mechanisms Rwanda has put in place a number of mechanisms to further promotion of gender equality and women s empowerment. The mechanisms cover the public institutions and the civil society organizations. In addition mechanisms put in place, measures adopted to promote gender equality and women empowerment are also discussed. 3.1.1. Public institutions a) The Ministry in charge of gender and family promotion. The Ministry is responsible for promoting gender equality throughout the development process of the country. Its main role consists of coordinating the implementation of the national gender policy, acting as the lead gender advocate on gender issues at different levels, widely disseminating the National Gender Policy, at national, regional and international levels, providing guideline in the dissemination of the National Gender Policy, mobilising resources for the implementation of gender interventions, and liaising and networking at national, regional and international level. b) National Women Council (NWC) Under the National Women Council, that was established in 1996, as a framework for information exchange, women mobilization and advocacy, The National Women Council is organized into Executive Committees at each administration level, namely at Cell, Sector, District, Province and national where at each level, structures include two organs, namely a General Assembly and an Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is made of ten (10) voluntary workers elected by the General Assembly including all women residing in the same Cell charged with the following duties: coordination, secretariat, sensitisation in management, health, economic promotion, education and training, legal affairs, social affairs, culture and civic education. The National Women Council budget comes mainly from Government through the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion. In line with the June 2003 Constitution, the National Women Council holds now 24 elected seats in Parliament. This Council is not only a framework to mobilize and sensitize all women but also a positive way to integrate them into the country s development process as they are being represented in all administration structures from the Cell to the Province. c) Gender Monitoring Office (GMO). The Gender Monitoring Office is an organ provided in the new Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda in its article 185 with the role of monitoring implementation and progress towards gender equality. In order for the Gender Monitoring Office to effectively assess the progress of the national gender policy implementation, following are its mandate: Developing clear performance indicators in line with priority areas to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of progress; Developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system with gender specific indicators, both qualitative and quantitative, and an inbuilt review system; using a 20

number of tools and mechanisms for monitoring progress in the implementation of the national gender policy ; Conducting periodic gender impact assessment studies; conducting a gender audit; carrying out monitoring surveys; Developing guidelines for periodic reporting; developing monitoring and evaluation tools for gender mainstreaming; Setting monitoring standards for gender equality based on sectors; proposing capacity development programmes; Holding different institutions accountable through scrutinising of reports by different institutions; Conducting regular dissemination of best practices to be scaled up or replicated else where; Developing, conducting and managing information and education programs, to enable the public to promote gender equality.

d) Gender Focal Points The aim in putting in place these gender focal points was to involve gender issue in all sectors and to promote gender equality and equity at all levels. These focal points are Government employees holding positions likely to influence in decision making, planning policies and management. At present, all public departments are required to appoint directors of planning as the new Gender Focal Points as per directives from the Prime Minister. Gender Focal Points are charged with monitoring implementation progress of the national gender policy within their respective institutions and sectors; advocating for all data within their respective sectors to be disaggregated by sex; ensuring that all their policies, programmes, budgets are gender responsive; overseeing the capacity needs in gender mainstreaming within their respective institutions. 3.1.2. Civil Society Organisations A number of NGOs are actively involved in promoting sustainable development in Rwanda, but the general trend is that they are grouped into umbrella organizations promoting women rights, gender equality and women s empowerment. Those include but not limited to: a) Pro-femmes/Twese Hamwe Its vision is aspire to a Rwanda safe from all forms of gender-based discrimination, characterized by gender equality and equity in the development process within the context of a stable and peaceful society. Aiming to be a platform, an exchange and consultation framework that promotes women s fulfilment and their active and effective participation in national development, PRO-FEMMES / TWESE HAMWE sets itself the following goals that are translated into actions by the member associations. These goals are: Socio-economic development of women; Promoting peace and education to peace; Building organizational and institutional capacity of its members; 21

Participating in the development of policies for women. b) Forum for Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP)

This forum was established in 1996 under the initiative of Women Parliamentarians with the mission to promote gender equality. FFRP is serving as a framework for capacity building for women in decision making positions, including its own members. Also, this forum serves as a tool allowing its members to positively participate and influence in reviewing and repealing laws found to discriminate women and in formulating those promoting gender equality. 3.2. Measures adopted to promote gender equality and women s empowerment. 3.2.1. Capacity building for promotion of gender mainstreaming Efforts in the area of capacity building in gender mainstreaming have been made through capacity building programs under the Ministry in Charge of Gender and Family Promotion. Various implementers have covered the sensitization phase to lay a foundation for gender mainstreaming. The next phase covers more exercises for the implementers to be familiar with gender mainstreaming processes. More implementers need to be trained in gender mainstreaming. All the Directors of Planning who are the Gender Focal Points for their respective institutions need to be trained as well in gender mainstreaming for a more effective integration of gender dimension in planning processes. 3.2.2. Development of gender sensitive indicators Gender sensitive indicators are designed and disseminated by the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) in close collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) and the Ministry of Finance and Economic planning (MINECOFIN) to relevant implementers to ensure a gender sensitive monitoring and evaluation process. This allows the different statistics units at each institution level to produce sex-disaggregated data needed to inform policy making and planning. Sex-disaggregated data are produced in number of national tools that are periodically updated including the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), Integrated Living Conditions Survey (EICV), EDPRS, to name a few. Limited sex-disaggregated data is still a serious challenge for a number of institutions but the three institutions mentioned above are working in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure production of needed data. 3.2.3. Established monitoring mechanisms Gender Monitoring Office has been established as a national mechanism to ensure effective implementation of the National Gender Policy. It reports directly to the Prime Minister s Office which is the highest government coordinating body to ensure that gender equality and women s empowerment is effectively mainstreamed in all development sectors. Gender Monitoring Office, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion are working hand in hand to ensure that existing gender monitoring and evaluation framework is updated and implemented accordingly.

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3.2.4. Partnership with different stakeholders Partnership with different stakeholders is of a paramount importance in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. It enables joint efforts among stakeholders and facilitated coordination to avoid duplication of interventions. The parliament, through the Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP) and relevant commissions has been instrumental in participating and influencing review of gender discriminatory laws. The National Gender Cluster serving as a forum bringing together all stakeholders has been useful in ensuring effective coordination of gender related activities and in facilitating exchange and reporting around key gender issues of national concern.

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IV.

REMAINING KEY CHALLENGES AND PLANS FOR FUTURE ACTIONS.

This section discusses the remaining challenges to be addressed for full implementation of each and every critical area of concern as identified in the Beijing Platform for Action (1995) and of further actions as highlighted in the Twenty-Third Special Session of the UN General Assembly, 2000. 4.1. Existing challenges

4.1.1. Women and poverty Despite several achievements made, fighting women poverty still faces the following challenges to be quickly addressed: -Limited professional and technical skills to move from informal sector to formal sector; -Limited access to market information; -Limited access to financial resources. 4.1.2. Women education and training -Women limited access, retention and completion in education; -Improvement of performance of women/girls at all levels of education; -Limited facilities at universities; -Very limited participation of women in science and technology; - Limited participation of women in decision making of various academic institutions. 4.1.3. Women and health The following challenges still face women and their health: -High infant and maternal morbidity and mortality rates; -Insufficient assistance to women and adolescents in the field of reproductive health;
- HIV/AIDS prevalence remains high -Low rate of assisted deliveries; -High fertility rate.

4.1.4. Violence against women Although important achievements have been registered the following remain as key challenges: -Culture of silence around issues of GBV; -Discriminatory socio-cultural behaviour and socio-economic inequalities; -Lack of follow-up and rapid alert mechanisms in case of violence against women; -Lack coordinated multidisciplinary approach to fight violence; -Limited judicial assistance mechanisms to assist the victims of violence; -Lack of reception centres to house the victims of violence;

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4.1.5 Women and Fundamental rights -High rate of illiteracy (39%)15; -Lack of self confidence; -Poverty; -Heavy burden of reproductive works; 4.1.6. Women and decision making - Culture that limit women s access to public sphere; -High rate of illiteracy prevents some women from exercising leadership especially at local level; -Heavy reproductive works. 4.1.7. Women s economic power -Limited technical skills for well paid jobs; -Limited guarantees to facilitate access to credits; -Quality products to compete on international markets. 4.1.8. Women and armed conflicts -Lack of sufficient number of women skilled enough in the area of conflict resolution; -Inadequate women s attendance in discussions and in peace negotiations; -Inadequate women s presence in decision making organs of the Army and National Security Services. 4.1.9. Women and media -Limited participation of women in the press as professionals; -Limited access to information for most women, mostly in rural areas; -Poverty; -Lack of reading culture; -Limited role models. 4.1.10. Women and environment -Limited participation of women in decision making on environment; -Limited access to source of energy for domestic use; -Limited access to water and sanitation. 4.1.11. The Young girl -Limited access to energy; -Limited access to water and sanitation; -Poor performance at school. 4.2. Priority areas Addressing the challenges mentioned above requires prioritization of critical areas to ensure that every challenge identified is dealt with. Priority areas should address key challenges including change of mentality, poverty, ignorance and lack of sex-disaggregated data. Sensitization campaigns will be conducted to raise awareness of populations on various gender issues so that
15

DHS, 2005

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they can adjust accordingly for a progressive change from a patriarchal mentality towards a gender sensitive mind set. Strategies to address poverty including facilitation for easy access to bank credits, reduction of unemployment rate, and competitive production for international markets are of a paramount importance if poverty is to reduce in Rwanda. Vocational skills and increased literacy are important to equip Rwandan men and women with required know how to create jobs to reduce underemployment rate that affect more women than men. Capacity building in relevant fields and baseline studies are critical to allow among other things production of sex-disaggregated data to inform poverty related policy making and planning. 4.3. Example of measures addressing key identified challenges

Some of the measures to be adopted for effective implementation of suggested priority areas include but not limited to evaluation and review of relevant policies, strategies and plans. The review will insure that gender dimension is taken into consideration. Baseline studies on priority areas will be conducted to inform policy making and planning. Enforcement measures for existing relevant laws will be adopted to ensure a gender sensitive implementation. Reinforcing coordination of implementation of National gender Policy will be given attention it deserves. A stronger gender sensitive monitoring and evaluation system will be in place to ensure measurement of the impact that implementation of adopted policies, strategies and plans have on beneficiaries for future planning. 4.4. New commitments Conducting baseline studies requires expertise that is limited in all concerned institutions. Therefore, required funding and logistics will be sourced from government and development partners to ensure that baseline studies are conducted and related plans of actions developed. The plans of action will ensure active involvement of women in private sector, trainings on gender mainstreaming, development of gender sensitive indicators, and production of sex-disaggregated data among others.

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REFERENCE DOCUMENTS 1. Republic of Rwanda, the Constitution, Kigali, 2003. 2. The Government of Rwanda, Vision 2020, Kigali, July 2000. 3. The Government of Rwanda, Economic Development and Economic Reduction Strategy 2008-2012, July 2007. 4. TRAC Plus, Rapport Annuel 2007, Kigali, mars 2008. 5. National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda Integrated Living Conditions Survey 2005/2006, Kigali, December 2006. 6. Ministry of Education, Girls education Policy, Kigali, April 2008. 7. COMESA gender policy, February 2008 8. Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, www.google.com, 11th May 2009. 9. Republic of Rwanda, Rwanda Development Indicators 2006, Kigali, May 2008. 10. National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, Millennium Development Goals-Country Report 2007, 2007. 11. National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, Enqute Intermdiaire Dmographique et de Sant 2007-2008, Kigali, 2008. 12. MIGEPROF, Profil du Genre au Rwanda 2005-2007, fvrier 2009. 13. Republic of Rwanda, A Beijing (1995-2004) Conference Ten-Year Evaluation Report, 2005. 14. Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda, Law on prevention and punishment of gender-based violence, April 6, 2009. 15. Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda, Law N 22/99 of 12/11/1999 to supplement Book one of the Civil Code and to institute Part Five regarding matrimonial regimes, liberalities and successions (O.G. n 22 of 15/11/1999); 16. Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, The Gender Responsive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, February 2009. 17. African Union (2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly), Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Maputo, 11 July 2003. 18. Republic of Rwanda, National Gender Policy, Kigali, 2004. 19. Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda, Organic Law Determining the Use and Management of Land in Rwanda, Kigali, 15 September 2005. 20. National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, Demographic and Health Survey, 2005, Kigali, 2005.

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