Women Win Again – First World Parliamentary Women Majority in Rwanda

Posted on September 29, 2008 in Latest News

In the recent second parliamentary elections held in Rwanda, since the 1994 Genocide, women made history by securing 45 out of the 80 seats. The elections held from September 15 –18th makes the present parliament there as the first in the world to have a women majority.

Incidentally, the Constitution of Rwanda ensures that the quota for women in parliament is to the tune of 30% or 24 seats. Women activists supported the equal representation of both the sexes and favored positioning of women in top positions. The ruling party of the country, the Rwanda Patriotic Front had a woman at the top of its list of candidates. Out of the 42 seats it won, 17 were women. Further 3 seats won by women candidates in the general election, 2 went to the Social Democratic Party and 1 to the Liberal Party. Additional 24 women candidates were elected via the indirect electoral process run by the National Women’s Council (CNF), which is attached to their Ministry for Gender and Family Promotion. The eligible candidates, numbering all in all 114, were fielded from five provinces in Rwanda. One young women got elected through indirect elections for representatives of youth.

The elections were held in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It was indeed an achievement for women in Rwanda and world over as well. CNF president opines that the aim is to have 70 to 80% representation in Parliament. Emphasis would be given to competent women candidates who have the requisite capacities.

Rwanda can indeed be proud of its achievements. Such achievements inspire other women to assert politically and fight for their rights in a male dominated society.

Source: unifem

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