Statistics

Unfortunately, the inspiring progress in the political sphere has not been translated into economic empowerment for women at the grassroots level. Women in Rwanda continue to bear the brunt of poverty. Over 80% of Rwandan women work in subsistence agriculture. Most young Rwandans lost family members and friends in the genocide and overcoming post-traumatic stress is a daily battle.

Only 1% of Rwandans complete university, and less than a third of university students are female. Thirty percent of female university students drop out before they complete their degree. There are few alternatives for young women to pursue their education if they cannot afford university. Some organizations provide basic vocational training to women in handicrafts, plumbing, tailoring, mechanics and hairdressing. These programs frequently fail to consider the needs of the local private sector and graduates are still unable to find employment.

Primary Attendance and Secondary Enrollment, Eastern Africa, 2000-2005

Primary School Net Attendance Ratio (2000-2005)

Secondary School Gross Enrollment Rates (2000-2005)

Male

Female

Male

Female

Kenya

79

79

50

46

Tanzania

71

75

6

5

Uganda

87

87

18

14

Rwanda

75

75

15

14

Gender Considerations in Tertiary Institutions in Rwanda

Factor

Gender Implications

Legal and Policy
  1. Government bursaries awarded disproportionately to male students
  2. Institutional gender bias through the promotion of science and IT scholarships

Socio-Cultural
  1. Early marriage norms, particularly in rural areas
  2. Domestic and agricultural labor responsibilities that often determine family priorities regarding girls’ education.

Macro-Structural

 1.    There are inadequate educational resources to deal with demand at the tertiary level.2.    Persistent poverty shapes family decisions about girls’ continuation in the school system.
3.    The HIV/AIDS burden is placed disproportionately on women.4.    The ongoing project of post-genocide reconciliation and national reconstruction falls on women’s shoulders through the care of orphans and excessive family responsibilities.

Source: Dr Shirley Randell AM and Dr Jennifer Fish. “Gender Gaps Remain in the Education of Girls in Rwanda and Increase at Tertiary Level”, July 2009