The GREAT Inititiative - Gender Right & Equality Trust

Rwanda: the influence of the FAS Award »

February 2, 2011  

In 2007, Rwandan President Paul Kagame received the FAS African Gender Award, which recognises African leaders who have significantly improved the lives of women in their own country.

Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has been distinguished for its integration of women in the reconstruction process, the fight against gender-based violence, the protection of the rights of women and girls, the promotion of women’s right to economic development and to own property, as well as the right of women and girls to equal education, particularly in rural zones.

Following the Awards, President Kagame and his government have consistently demonstrated the political will to respect and fulfill women’s rights, and the country is regarded in some domains as a real beacon of inspiration.

For example, before the 2008 parliamentary elections, 49 per cent of legislators were women. After the elections, the figure rose to 56 per cent, unprecedented - at least in modern history - anywhere else in the world.

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