Abstract: Over the years, the female fraction of the population was perceived to be inferior to the male fraction, in all societies all across the world. The inferiority was mainly attached to the important roles in society such as decision making in sensitive matters. The perceived inferior nature of females was evidenced by their inability to take part in important economic, religious and social matters. The only place where a woman’s voice was recognized was in her house, although it was still highly restricted. In African countries, this practice remained in place for a very long time and even today, some aspects of the patriarchal operations are still in place. History has shown that there is a significant difference in the rate of socio-economic development, between communities which embrace gender equality and those which discriminate women. The difference is attributed to the different types of capital such as human capital and financial capital. This paper is going to address the relationship between gender equality and economic development, specifically in Rwanda. The paper will show some of the programs and mechanisms put in place for the purpose of enhancing gender equality. The current economic development level will then be assessed in comparison to that of the period when the programs and mechanisms were being initiated.
Keywords: Empowerment of women, Gender equality, Economic development.
Title: GENDER EQUALITY AND ITS ROLE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF RWANDA
Author: Owino. O, Tangai. S, Seno. J, Njuguna. E, Gacau. T, Ng’eno. W
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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