WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY RESOURCES: RWANDA
Civil Society and NGO Reports, Papers and Statements | UN Documents | Government Statements and Reports | Books, Journals and Articles

UNIFEM WOMEN, WAR AND PEACE WEB PORTAL: RWANDA

Civil Society and NGO Reports, Papers and Statements

Demonstrating Legislative Leadership: The Introduction of Rwanda’s Gender-Based Violence Bill
Elizabeth Pearson, The Initiative for Inclusive Security, April 2008

“Precisely because they have acted in the context of the legislative branch’s relative weakness, the leadership of Rwanda’s women parliamentarians in developing GBV legislation is a crucial case study in how governance in Rwanda can be strengthened. More specifically, the drafting of GBV legislation demonstrates how women policy makers in Rwanda are at the forefront of activities promoting democratic governance”.

“This analysis of the creation of the GBV bill in Rwanda is the result of an extensive literature survey on issues of gender and political behavior, women and governance, and gender-based violence in Rwanda. Academic literature, analyses conducted by non governmental organizations (NGOs), and government reports, including the draft bill itself, were consulted as a part of this process”.

To read the full paper, please click HERE

The Role of Women in Reconciliation and Peace Building in Rwanda: Ten Years After Genocide 1994-2004 - Contributions, Challenges and Way Forward
The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, May 2005

This pioneering and groundbreaking work on the role of women in peace building and reconciliation in Rwanda, ten years after genocide was carried out in the field, between September and October 2004. It constitutes an overview of the best practices and success stories, challenges and the way forward with regard to peace building and reconciliation processes, with the view of enabling the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) identify the gender gaps in its Policy and Programmes and undertake appropriate corrective measures in collaboration with other actors.

Forgotten Casualties of War: Girls in Armed Conflict
Save the Children, 28 April 2005

Save the Children is today calling on world leaders to better protect the large numbers of vulnerable and innocent girls whose lives are destroyed every year by conflict, with the launch a new report ‘"Forgotten Casualties of War: Girls in Armed Conflict". The report identifies a ‘"hidden army" of girls, some as young as eight, who are abducted against their will to live life in the army. The roles of the girls vary from being actual soldiers through to serving as porters, cleaners and cooks. Almost all are forced to serve as sex slaves or ‘"wives".

10 Years After: Lessons from Rwanda for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Conflict and Development Programme, Liu Institute for Global Issues, University of British Columbia, Canada, 24-26 October 2004

On the basis of participant presentations, dialogue and analysis, the workshop acted as a forum for analyzing the achievements of Rwandans in civil society and the state towards the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as identifying the challenges which remain. On the basis of this analysis, the participants were invited to reflect on the key commitments under study in this workshop, and develop recommendations to those responsible for the implement Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.


The Kigali Declaration Of The Great Lakes Regional Women's Meeting
9 October 2004, Kigali, Rwanda

We, the delegates representing the core countries of the Great Lakes Region, namely Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia and the co-opted Republic of South Africa, assembled at the First Regional Women’s Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda on 7 – 9 October 2004, as part of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations; Concerned, with the multi-dimensional conflicts in the Great Lakes Region, resulting in untold suffering of communities especially women and children and loss of human lives...

Genre, Desarmement, Demobilisation et Reintegration au Rwanda: Cas de L'Association Ndabaga
Espérance Kanani, Representant de Ndabaga Association, Lancement de la brochure de l'UNIFEM sur le desarmement, New York, le 19 octobre 2004

Struggling to Survive: Barriers to Justice for Rape Victims in Rwanda [pdf version]
Human Rights Watch, Vol. 16, No. 10(A), September 2004
Toujours en lutte: la justice, un parcours semé d' obstacles pour les victimes de viol au Rwanda


Women Taking the Lead: Progress Toward Empowerment and Gender Equality in Rwanda
Women for Women International, September 2004

The briefing paper traces paths of struggle, detailing the opinions of women at the frontline. It provides an insight into the hardships endured by women in Rwanda over the past decade and their determination to overcome them. It celebrates their achievements and those of the political leaders who have supported reforms. Through a discussion of the concerns of women’s representatives and advocates, some of the challenges inherent in implementing gender policies are exposed.


Rwanda: Broken Bodies, Torn Spirits: Living with Genocide, Rape and HIV/AIDS
African Rights, Kigali, April 2004


Rwanda: "Marked for Death", rape survivors living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda
Amnesty International, 6 April 2004

In April 1994, Rwanda suffered one hundred days of violence, targeted at the Tutsi and moderate Hutu population. Ten years later, the consequences of the violence have not been dealt with adequately, neither by the international community nor by the Rwandan government. The UN estimates that more than 250,000 women were victimized by rape in 1996 and 70% of the victims are HIV positive. Survivors of violence still cry out for medical care; survivors and families of victims clamour for justice that is slow in coming.


Rwanda: The enduring legacy of the genocide and war
Amnesty International, 6 April 2004

For 100 days, between April and July 1994, as many as one million Rwandans were killed by their fellow Rwandans, in many cases by their own neighbors. These killings of unarmed civilians were accompanied by widespread torture and rape. Ten years later, the enduring legacy of the genocide and armed conflict continues for most Rwandans. This report examines the extent to which the current government has over the past decade addressed points of tension that led to the heinous crime of genocide.


Fact Sheet on HIV/AIDS in Rwanda
Partners for Health Reform plus, April 2004

The fact sheet provides a brief overview on the socio-economic facts to the HIV/AIDS crisis, the health care system, medical expenditures and the policies on HIV/AIDS in Rwanda.

Strengthening Governance: The role of women in Rwanda’s transition
Women Waging Peace, October 2003

Rwanda’s parlimentary elections in September 2003 officially ended a nine-year period of post-genocide transition. Nearly 50 percent of new representatives are women. As Rwanda enters a new stage in its transformation, the leadership that women have shown must not be underestimated, despite the obstacles they continue to face. This study provides an historical overview of Rwanda, highlighting women’s participation in the political system and the impact of the genocide, and explores the rationale for making gender considerations central to the struggle for peace and better governance.


Lasting Wounds: Consequences of genocide and war for Rwanda's children
Human Rights Watch, March 2003

The majority of Rwandan children have been victims of armed conflict. Thousands have been arbitrarily arrested and denied prompt access to justice. Hundreds of thousands more living around the country have been abused, exploited for their labor, exploited for their property, or denied the right to education. Based on hundreds of interviews conducted between 1995 and 2002 with children, child rights experts, social workers, representatives and staff of local and international organizations, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and officials of the Rwandan government, this report documents widespread violations of the rights of the child in post-genocide Rwanda. The report presents recommendations to the Rwandan government and the international community to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation.


Uprooting The Rural Poor In Rwanda
Human Rights Watch, May 2001

In 1996, the Rwandan Cabinet adopted a National Habitat Policy dictating that all Rwandans living in homesteads throughout the country were to reside instead in government-created "villages" called imidugudu. Established without popular consultation or act of parliament, this policy decreed a drastic change in the way of life of approximately 94 percent of the population. In the subsequent four years, the Rwandan government moved hundreds of thousands of citizens, many against their will. Those who have suffered most from forced villagization are women and children who are heads of households. This report examines the background and impact of this policy and offers recommendations to the Rwandan government and the international community.

You Cannot Dance if You Cannot Stand: A review of the Rwanda Women’s Initiative and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee’s commitment to gender equality in post-conflict societies
Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, April 2001

In recognition of the struggle women faced in post-genocide Rwanda, UNHCR launched the Rwanda Women’s Initiative (RWI) in 1996 to support the women’s efforts to rebuild their country. This report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of RWI, providing lessons to be learned for future women’s initiatives and specific recommendations for RWI.


Rwanda's Women: The key to reconstruction
The Journal of Humanitarian Assistance, 10 May 2000

This paper’s purpose is to demonstrate that women are central to Rwandan reconstruction, and should therefore be accorded more attention in the policy and programs of international non-governmental organizations, bilateral and intergovernmental aid agencies, and international financial institutions. After a brief description of Rwanda’s demographic changes and women’s role in the economy, this paper investigates the legacy of the conflict for women and their unique post-conflict needs, the structural, cultural, and legal challenges faced by women in fulfilling their new roles and responsibilities, women’s participation in post-conflict reconstruction and, finally, the research the role of women in peace-building and reconciliation.


Rebuilding Rwanda: A Struggle Men Can Not Do Alone
Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, Winter 2000

This report examines women’s role in rebuilding Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide, the social and economic status of women and the concerns over adolescent girls’ access to education, the role of and challenges faced by local women’s NGOs, and women’s role in reintegration and both national and regional peace making.


Rwanda and the Impact of Debt Relief on the Poor: Reconciliation can’t wait, children headed households can’t wait
World Bank, July 1999

In 1996, Rwanda was ranked second from the bottom of the world’s poorest countries. The poorest homes are now more likely to be children- or women-headed. Using Rwanda as a case study, this paper argues that poverty can be lessened if savings made from debt relief are channeled into additional social spending as well as income creating programmes.


Rwanda's Women and Children: The long road to reconciliation
Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, December 1997

The road to reconciliation for Rwandans is long and rocky as they try to rebuild their lives after a genocide that claimed more than 800,000 lives, a massive refugee exodus and now the return of those refugees. Women and children were targets during these disasters and continue to be targets in a brutal war that pits ethnic group against ethnic group. There is a tremendous need for education programs and health care services for women, children and adolescents, but little is being spent on these "human development" projects.


Shattered Lives: Sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath
Human Rights Watch, September 1996

During the 1994 genocide, Rwandan women were subjected to sexual violence on a massive scale. As Rwandans begin the onerous task of rebuilding a country ravaged by bloodshed and genocide, the burden is falling heavily on Rwandan women. Women face overwhelming problems because of the upheaval caused by the genocide, including social stigmatization, poor physical and psychological health, unwanted pregnancy and, increasingly, poverty. This report examines the impact of sexual violence on the Rwandan women and suggests strategies to help victims rebuild their lives.

UN Documents

UNIFEM Commemorates November 25th and the 16 Days of Activism Campaign
UNIFEM, Africa Rights, November 2004
To mark the 16 Days campaign, UNIFEM and NGO African Rights will launch Broken Bodies, Torn Spirits: Living With Genocide, Rape and HIV/AIDS in Kigali, Rwanda. The publication, which was supported by UNIFEM's Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, contains research and a series of interviews conducted over a year in 11 of Rwanda's 12 provinces with "rape survivors," many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. The study hopes to influence and improve responses to sexual violence by addressing a serious and common problem in conflict and post-conflict situations, the rapid spread of infections and disease through sexual violence. For more information, please contact donnah.kamashazi@undp.org At African Rights, contact Rakiya Omaar, rights@randatel1.rw

Rwanda: Concluding Observations
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimnation Against Women (CEDAW), 31 December 2003


Government Statements and Reports

Gender Assessment and Action Plan for USAID/Rwanda
International Center for Research on Women, March 2002

Gender considerations merit serious and immediate attention within any development initiative in Rwanda. This report carries out a comprehensive gender country assessment, identifies strategic recommendations for USAID/Rwanda to strengthen its programs and incorporates these findings in to a comprehensive and practical gender action plan. The findings were based on a review of 80 documents prepared by USAID/Rwanda, ministries of the Government of Rwanda, international donors, academic scholars and Rwandan organizations and on key informant interviews.


Aftermath: Women and women’s organizations in post genocide Rwanda
USAID, December 2002

The ethnic genocide that left 500,000 Rwandans dead in 1994 divided and polarized Rwandan society, shattering mutual trust and leaving a legacy of fear and hatred. This document summarizes two studies examining the impact of the genocide on Rwandan women. It also examines the role women's organizations have since played in trying to rebuild the country and the efforts of USAID and other donors to assist these organizations.

Books, Journals and Articles

The Rwandan Tutsis: A Tutsi Woman's Account of the Hidden Causes of the Rwandan Tragedy
Eugenie Mujawiyera, Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd, 1 August 2006

In The Rwandan Tutsis, Eugenie Mujawiyera, a young Rwandan Tutsi woman, discusses the story of her ancient ethnicity, weaving into her narrative the dramatic events which make up Rwandan history from independence to the present day. While the Tutsi are again an integral part of the Rwandan nation - along with the Hutu and Twa- Mrs. Mujawiyera seeks an answer to a very fundamental question: Why did an entire ethnicity become the object of attempted physical extermination at the end of the twentieth century?

Gender, Conflict and Development: Volume II
Bridge Institute of Development Studies, December 1995

This report provides an overview of the political history of the Rwandan conflict and examines gender dimensions of the conflict and in international interventions.


A People Betrayed: The Role of the West in Rwanda's Genocide
Linda Melvern. London: Zed Books, 18 November 2000

The book contains a full narrative account of how the genocide unfolded and describes its scale, speed and intensity. And the book provides a terrible indictment, not just of the UN Security Council, but even more so of governments and individuals who could have prevented what was happening but chose not to do so.To order this book, click here.

What Women Do in Wartime: Gender and Conflict in Africa
Meredeth Turshen and Clotilde Twagiramariya. London: Zed Books, 1998

This is the first book to describe and analyze the experience of women in African civil wars. A mixture of reportage, testimony and scholarship, the book includes contributions from women in Chad, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Sudan. Examining rape and other forms of gendered political violence in African civil wars, this extraordinary volume is also about women taking action for change. It is set to become required reading for students and academics of women's, peace and African studies. To order this book, click here.


Gender and Catastrophe
Ronit Lentin (Ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press, 1 January 1998

This book explores the gendered and gendering effects of violence against women in extreme situations such as major wars, genocides, famines, slavery, the Holocaust, mass rape and ethnic cleansing. The female experience of methodical genocidal rape in the former Yugoslavia, women’s coerced participation in the Rwandan massacre, the comfort women system during World War II, the gendering of genocidal strategies during the Holocaust, nuclear testing in the Pacific and the reproduction ‘policy’ in Tibet are all integrated into a wider framework - a framework which uncovers the true consequences of identifying women as simultaneously sexual objects, transmitters of culture and symbols of the nation.