In 2004, Rwanda marked the 10th anniversary of the three-month genocide that devastated the country, leaving approximately 800,000 people dead and about 2 million displaced from their homes. Estimates indicate that between 250,000 and 500,000 rapes were committed during the genocide. Despite numerous obstacles, Rwandan women have made great strides in the reconstruction of their country and, following the 2003 elections, Rwanda’s parliament is close to gender parity with 49 percent female members, overtaking Sweden as the country with the greatest percentage of women legislators. Yet, with a high number of female-headed households and a poverty rate of more than 60 percent among women, creating opportunities for women at the grassroots level is one of the country’s major challenges.
Staff profile: 40 members; all are Rwandan.
- Offered services to 4,119 women through the program in 2005 for a total of 11,116 women served in 18 communities since 1997.
- Provided malaria prevention training.
- Program graduation ceremonies are lauded as community events, complete with media coverage and local officials in attendance.
- Current job skills trainings includes basket weaving, bead work, knitting, tie-dye, tailoring, beekeeping, mushroom-growing, catering, and food processing.
Participant profile: In 2005 our Rwandan participants...
• Average Age - 38
• Average Number of Children - 4
• Marital Status - 39.1% Single
32.2% Married
3.6% Separated/Divorced
25% Widowed
When women entered our programs in 2005...
• Education Completed - 24.5% No Formal Education
32.6% Some Primary
32.6% Completed Primary or Higher
• Participated in Economic Activity - 22.7% None
51.8% Agriculture
20% Limited
• Community Participation - 92.7% Took part in meetings/
activities at least once per month
• Registered to Vote - 98.3%
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