Rwanda’s liberation goes beyond the victories of July 4

Author: Lindah Uwase

• 2023-07-09 05:30:00

Liberation, in its true essence, extends far beyond the mere act of winning a war or gaining independence. While the achievement of liberation marks a significant milestone in the history of a nation or a community, it is crucial to recognize that true liberation encompasses more than just political or territorial freedom. It is a holistic approach that addresses the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the lives of those who have been liberated.

Rwanda marked its 29^th liberation on July 4.

It is important to recognize the significant achievements the country made in women empowerment since the devastating 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. These accomplishments set Rwanda apart not just in Africa but on a global scale.

Rwanda proudly boasts the highest rate of female labor force participation worldwide, a remarkable feat that highlights the strength and contributions of Rwandan women when gender equality becomes a political priority.

Currently, an impressive 86 percent of Rwandan women actively participate in the national labor market. Furthermore, they hold 55 percent of government cabinet positions and 61.3 percent of seats in parliament. These statistics demonstrate the strides Rwanda has taken in the past 29 years, thanks to the exceptional contributions of its women.

In 1994, Rwanda was left in ruins, with a shattered economy and a society deeply scarred by the horrendous events. The progress the country has achieved since then was unimaginable at the time. In less than three decades, Rwanda lifted over a million of its citizens out of poverty through sustained economic growth. Additionally, the proportion of the population living in extreme poverty significantly decreased from 35.8 percent to 16 percent between 2005 and 2017.

While the objective remains the eradication of extreme poverty, Rwanda firmly believes it is on the right path to achieving this goal. The transformation that has taken place would not have been possible without the unleashed talents and abilities of Rwandan women. This progress has not only benefited the economy but has also profoundly changed the fabric of Rwandan society.

Rwanda was historically a patriarchal society with limited opportunities for women in leadership roles. However, the aftermath of the genocide disrupted the old social order and prompted the post-genocide government to recognize the crucial role of women in fostering forgiveness, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. As a result, equality of opportunity and representation became central to Rwanda's reconstruction policies.

The empowerment of Rwandan women is intricately linked to the country's vision and the transformation it has undergone since 1994. Research shows that improving gender equality contributes to reconciliation, peacebuilding, economic growth, poverty reduction, societal well-being, and sustainable development—outcomes that Rwanda has experienced firsthand.

Rwanda faced significant challenges in dismantling deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and building a more equitable society. The country implemented innovative mechanisms to promote women's representation and inclusion. The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion spearheaded policies that positioned Rwanda as one of the most female-friendly nations globally by identifying and amending or repealing gender-discriminatory laws. Civil society groups, including organizations like Pro-femmes Twese Hamwe, played a crucial role by offering free legal aid to women and educating men about gender-based violence.

Reforms were introduced to enable women to register land titles and use their land as collateral for loans, fostering their financial independence. Additionally, Rwanda prioritized girls' education and created incentives for them to pursue traditionally male-dominated subjects, leading to a significant increase in female enrollment in STEM fields, which currently stands at 46.2 percent.

Rwanda's collective commitment to inclusivity and the hard-won achievements of its women are propelling the country toward a brighter future. This progress not only benefits its citizens but also allows Rwanda to serve as a safe haven for those seeking refuge and opportunities. Rwanda's decision to accommodate the School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA), an all-girls boarding school, further demonstrates the country's compassion for those fleeing danger and its recognition of the importance of empowering girls to succeed.

Rwanda acknowledges that no country is perfect.

The remarkable progress made in the past 29 years positions the country as a nation capable of providing sanctuary to those in need of safety and opportunities.

With a steadfast commitment to its responsibilities, Rwanda is poised to continue embracing this role in the future.