Collective steps towards enhancing rural livelihoods in post-genocide Rwanda

Abstract

After 1994 genocide the government of Rwanda has adopted gender polices and legislations aimed encouraging and supporting women to participate in decision-making and income earning. The aim of my research was to assess if the Rwandan government’s gender policy and legislations, and the participation in ishyirahamwe (associations) increased women’s empowerment and improved women’s livelihoods both economically and socially. And further if the change in women’s status led to reduce gender asymmetry. My research was on 7ishyirahamwe (associations), connected to the Foundation development initiative in Rwabutenge in rural Rwanda. The ishyirahamwe were income generating working units, comprising of men, and women, but the majority was women.