Sri Sri Ravi Shankar once said, ‘the role of women in the development of society is of utmost importance. In fact, it is the only thing that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious, or otherwise. Women are the backbone of the society.’ As the fight for equal opportunities for women and men grows, Rwanda is taking its lead as the only African country serious about making a change. The east-central country isn’t just striving to rebuild its economy, it is also morphing into a progressive society that is inclusive, regardless of gender, breaking its own world record of 64% women representation in parliament.
I know right, just when you were sleeping on ’em
Difference in numbers of men vs women at state house of assembly in Nigeria
Source: NBS pic.twitter.com/kTKQe9y49v
— Dr Ola Brown (Orekunrin) (@NaijaFlyingDr) August 29, 2018
The new world record for women representation in parliament has now shot up to 67.5%. Out of 80 parliamentary seats in Rwanda, women occupy 54 seats, which is 67.5%. The record was set last night after the National Electoral Commission announced the September 3 parliamentary elections results, which saw President Kagame’s party, RPF sweeping 74% of the total vote and taking 40 seats. It is true that President Kagame has placed value on women’s roles and even spearheaded many reforms to help build women’s capacity in civil society, but his dictatorial government is still limiting women. Over the years, two women have tried unsuccessfully to become President in elections against him, and the last one who tried, Diane Rwigara, is now facing 20 years in prison.
