History
The Rwandan kingdom formed in roughly the 14th century. It was later colonized by Germany in 1884. However afterwards Belgium was the main colonizer of Rwanda.
By far the most drastic event to take place in recent history is the Civil War that developed between the Hutu and the Tutsi, two tribes in the area in 1990. A period of extreme violence, with estimates as high as 1,000,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed. Then in 1996 a period of peace and reconciliation began between the two tribes. This had led to sweeping changes in Rwandan culture and government, with a significant focus being women’s rights.
Government:
The government consists of a presidential multi-party system. The president has a role very similar to US presidents. The parliament has a two party system with 80 seats and 5 year terms. The law is influenced by Belgian and German civil and customary laws. It is a member of the La Francophonie, but English is quickly becoming the predominant language of use and eduation. Since the time of the Civil War Rwanda has set-up tribunals to investigate crimes, and restored local and historical Gacaca courts.Thirty percent of the seats in parliament must be held by women.
Religion:
Catholics represented 56.5 % of the poulation,
Protestants 37.1 % (of whom 11.1 % were Seventh Day Adventists)
Muslims 4.6 %.
1.7 % claimed no religious beliefs.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rw.html
Women’s Rights:
Women’s rights in Rwanda have gone through a revolution in recent years. Currently Rwanda is the only country in the world with more women in parliament than men (and the only country to ever do so). This is in part due to the civil war, which left the ratio of women to men 70% to 30%. Women have stepped up into leadership positions, both in industry and in the government. Women have changed laws on land ownership, passed measure against domestic and child abuse, and forced rape to be a focus of the countries tribunals.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/28/womens-rights-rwanda
Summary:
The Rwandan kingdom formed in roughly the 14th century. It was later colonized by Germany in 1884. However afterwards Belgium was the main colonizer of Rwanda.
By far the most drastic event to take place in recent history is the Civil War that developed between the Hutu and the Tutsi, two tribes in the area in 1990. A period of extreme violence, with estimates as high as 1,000,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed. Then in 1996 a period of peace and reconciliation began between the two tribes. This had led to sweeping changes in Rwandan culture and government, with a significant focus being women’s rights.
Government:
The government consists of a presidential multi-party system. The president has a role very similar to US presidents. The parliament has a two party system with 80 seats and 5 year terms. The law is influenced by Belgian and German civil and customary laws. It is a member of the La Francophonie, but English is quickly becoming the predominant language of use and eduation. Since the time of the Civil War Rwanda has set-up tribunals to investigate crimes, and restored local and historical Gacaca courts.Thirty percent of the seats in parliament must be held by women.
Religion:
Catholics represented 56.5 % of the poulation,
Protestants 37.1 % (of whom 11.1 % were Seventh Day Adventists)
Muslims 4.6 %.
1.7 % claimed no religious beliefs.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rw.html
Women’s Rights:
Women’s rights in Rwanda have gone through a revolution in recent years. Currently Rwanda is the only country in the world with more women in parliament than men (and the only country to ever do so). This is in part due to the civil war, which left the ratio of women to men 70% to 30%. Women have stepped up into leadership positions, both in industry and in the government. Women have changed laws on land ownership, passed measure against domestic and child abuse, and forced rape to be a focus of the countries tribunals.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/28/womens-rights-rwanda
Summary:
Structures and initiatives of the Rwandan development:
1.) There is a parallel system of women's councils and women-only elections guaranteeing a women's mandate for all elected bodies. Women only vote in an indirect election guaranteeing 24 of the 80 total seats.
2.)Triple balloting system: one general, a women's ballot, and a youth ballot in the district (state level). Electoral college like institution guarantees at least 20% of the councilors at that level.
3.) Ministry guaranteeing posts within government and other ministries.
(image outlining provisions for women in government)
Triple Attack:
Rwandan Women's Rights are represented in a comprensive, three-phase symbiotic initiative:
Midgeproof (executive): is the institution responsible for coordinating with the government that: promote the legal framework for equality, supports women's interest in social, economic, and political sectors. They are responsible for organizing advertising, training sessions, and women's representation in courts and councils.
Forum (legislative): Statues and balloting systems that demand seats in parliament for women.
Pro-Femmes (civil): Pro-Femmes is the umbrella for 40 women's organizations that have mechanism for coordinating their advocacy among rural Rwanda.
Information from aforementioned article: Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition
ReplyDeletePrior to Revolution:
Racial laws forbid intermarriage.
During the revolution women of both varieties were often targeted being raped, abused, et al.
Now:
Women bear the brunt of family raising, as well as the majority of all agricultural output.
In post genocide Rwanda large scale interviews have revealed that Rwandans believe that women bore the brunt of the genocide, and therefore deserve a significant and official role in the nation's recovery.
They are perceived as "better" at reconciliation, forgiveness, rebuilding, and remaining calm in intense situations. Further, they are sought after for this very reason.
Information from aforementioned article: Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition
ReplyDeleteA careful note:
Scholars hold that attempts of political liberalization and forced democracy contributed to the collapse of a fragile peace. It was against requirement to share powers with their adversaries that they attempted to overflow.
The lawlessness of the genocide was found by state officers who sought to hold power in an increasing autonomous and empowered civil society.
Information from aforementioned article: Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition
ReplyDeleteRebuilding while instilling:
Rwandan students, as well as the defense forces, provincial governments, and former resistance fighters are expected to go to two-month ingando camps that work through solidarity to promote unity between Hutu and Tutsi, but also between sexes.
Information from aforementioned article: Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition
ReplyDeleteTransconstitutive Hope?:
Program designers in multilateral and bilateral aid organizations should draw on Rwanda's new structure as models for women in other post-conflict societies.
1999 Women won 13.7% of seats.
2009 Women won 56% of seats