Abstract:
The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the rise of feminism in Africa, particularly Rwanda. The study examined the effect of feminism towards gender and political inclusivity in Rwanda. Also, it focused in understanding the role of Rwandan government, NGOs and civil society in championing women rights in Rwanda and their contribution to feminism agenda and ideology towards empowering and promoting women rights and freedoms.
The research study used a qualitative research methodology because it was an exploratory research. It aimed to analyze the research objectives and questions providing references and approaches as well as theories used to explain and understand the thesis topic.
The major findings indicate that women participation in politics is gradually increasing in Africa, as different policy measures are introduced to reach gender balance in political institutions. Women have for the longest time possible seen as inferior to their male counterparts in different scenarios across the board.
The study recommends that there should be feminism agenda in Rwanda to include government support towards feminist agenda, women involvement in reconstruction and transformation of Rwanda after the genocide, women protection by the constitution, application of legislated candidate quotas, sanctions for non-compliance, reserved seats in parliament and financial support for women in politics.
