Social Reconciliation In Rwanda

INTRODUCTION The reformative and political transition following the Rwandan genocide led to remarkable achievements, the primary being the exponential increase in gender representation in Rwanda’s parliament. With 54% of federal seats held by women, the amazement not only falls in the numbers, but how quickly the state reached this percentage. What occurred during the drafting process to lead to a high percentage of women in government in a short amount of time? One important aspect that led to this increase includes Rwanda’s integrational approach between the women’s social movement and the political reformation process in which leaders employed intentional efforts to congruently and integrally mobilize congruently in order to enhance the …show more content…
She served on the country’s Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, as a senator, a governor of the Kigali-Ngali, and, most importantly, as a executive secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. The Commission was created in March 1999 by Parliament to promote unity and reconciliation during the aftermath of the genocide. The aim was altering and remedying the effects of the previous governing system, eliminate discrimination and exclusion, create social cohesion, and establish equality. Inyumba dedicated work began during her early years. She grew up in a refugee camp in Uganda. At the time, Rwanda’s government consisted of politicians advocating for Hutu rule and overthrew the Tutsi monarchy. Her father was killed in the massacres of the Tutsi before she was born, but her mother and her 5 children fortunately …show more content…
As a result of little political access, women did not, could not, voice their concerns regarding legislation and the governing system as a whole. Florence Kamili Kayiraba filled this gap. Kayiraba was one of 800,000 Rwandans that returned to the country after being exiled during the genocide. Later, she was one of the first five women to be elected mayor in the country. While Kayiraba’s position is at the local level, her efforts demonstrate the overall improvement of women’s relationship to government because she was more available and accessible to the female population. In the article, “Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda 's Transition: A Summary” by Elizabeth Prowley, Kayiraba admits that during her time in office, women consistently approached her regarding a plethora of concerns, something women will not do with a male politician. The politician suggests that women approached her because, simply put, it is easier to approach women (Prowley 2004, 9-10). Kayiraba, however, did more than listen to her constituents, but implemented programs to resolve their