Rwandan women's empowerment through their participation in the post-genocide Gacaca Courts : an exploratory study

Abstract: This minor-dissertation examined the process of women's empowerment in post- 1994 Rwanda, with the main focus on the extent to which Rwandan women have been empowered through their participation in the post-genocide gacaca courts. The study explained the nature of the discrimination against women in traditional Rwandan society. It further looked at the role of the participation of women in gacaca courts in the process of their empowerment in everyday life. This study identified some hindrances to Rwandan women's participation in gacaca courts, as well as some obstacles to women's empowerment in general, and to suggest ways of making Rwandan women's empowerment more effective. Consequently, a number of recommendations are made to address issues revealed during the interviews with the female participants. These suggestions are aimed at promoting Rwandan women's empowerment. Due to the sensitive nature of this study and the culture of the community that was studied, a qualitative research was adopted. In this regard, in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The findings indicated that, prior to the 1994 genocide; Rwandan women had experienced different types of marginalisation and violence. These were mainly linked to the weight of patriarchy and Rwandan cultural beliefs. It was established that the violence against Rwandan women became severe during the genocide. It was also found that the status of women has been enhanced as a result of the post-genocide Rwandan government's commitment to the promotion of women's empowerment. Finally, the results showed that, due to their participation in gacaca courts, Rwandan women have become socially and politically empowered. This has enabled them to make some positive changes in their everyday lives.M.A. (Sociology