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Image of schoolgirls of Rwanda sitting around a long row of tables

Source: Rwanda Classroom edited, Wikipedia

Image o f a partial political map of Africa where Rwanda is highlighted. There is an attached global outline map that illustrates and approximate location of Rwanda.

Source: Location Rwanda, Wikipedia

Image of several young children standing in front of a hut covered in straw.

Source: Rwandan children at Volcans National Park, Wikipedia

The African country of Rwanda has a population of nearly 8 million people. Rwanda is a republic whose economy is based almost entirely on subsistence agriculture. There is a large disparity between women and men. The literacy rate, for example is 70.4% overall, but men are more literate at a rate of 76.3% to 64.3%.

In this photo, a female voter casts her vote in the 2010 presidential election.

Source: 10rwanda, New York times

Rwanda has experienced war, genocide, and political corruption throughout the last 20 years. During these times of war, women suffered greatly as they became primary targets of war rape and humiliation.

As the Rwandan government begins to rebuild itself, women, however, are critical to its reconstruction. Watch the following video that compares the progress of gender equality in the governments of Kenya and Rwanda.

Video segment. Assistance may be required.

Source: English 3 MDG3 No Standup-new, ourhouseproduction, BlipTv

More facts about Rwanda and the role of women:

Recently, Rwanda conducted elections for the Presidency and the parliament had a referendum on a new constitution.
For the first time in Rwanda's history, free and fair elections were held. The new constitution guarantees a minimum of 30 percent of parliamentary seats and other leadership positions to women.
Today, Rwanda has the highest number of women parliamentarians in the world with women constituting nearly 50 percent in the Chamber of Deputies.

Activity

Answer the following questions about the role of women in Rwanda in your notes.

Describe the differences between the participation of women in government in Kenya and Rwanda. Provide at least three examples based on the video.
Which of these countries is closest to meeting the goals of MDG #3 as it pertains to the representation of women in national parliamentary?
What advice would you give to the government of Kenya to help them meet the goals of MDG #3? Cite at least one example to support your answer.
Predict what changes you see in the lives of women in Rwanda's future.

Take a closer look at Rwanda by using this Google Earth link: Rwanda.