Research reports

Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this report is an analysis of gender equality related laws, policies and initiatives of 10 purposely selected districts to 1) better understand the achievements and strategies deployed by different districts; 2) identify gaps where laws and policies fail to correct persistent gender inequalities and gender-based conflicts and violence. The report finds participants rate the implementation of gender equality related laws and policies as “very good” for the sectors of gender mainstreaming in governance, economic empowerment, education and health. However, participants rated the conceptual understanding of “gender equality” as “poor” concept findings also suggest structural, physical, and attitudinal barriers create challenges. As such, the analysis recommends improved synergy between different actors, increased systematic awareness of the meaning and intention of gender equality, strengthening the capacity of local structures for conflict resolution, and increased reporting and feedback mechanisms related to GBV.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) consists of a variety of practices that provide alternative mechanisms to resolve disputes while avoiding a full-scale court procedure. Although ADR is developed from a Western context as an alternative to conventional justice, Rwandans recognize ADR as their own ordinary, historical and cultural approach for addressing conflict and harm. In line with this, Haguruka undertook this assessment of 10 districts to contribute to the body of knowledge on ADR in Rwanda through three key objectives: 1) Discover various ADR initiatives that exist and how they operate; 2) Explore achievements, success stories, and best practices that can be replicated in other parts of the country; 3) Examine the needs and challenges of ADR initiatives. This report expanded on the above objectives through a presentation of findings and suggested recommendations.  

Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this report is an analysis of gender equality related laws, policies and initiatives of 10 purposely selected districts to 1) better understand the achievements and strategies deployed by different districts; 2) identify gaps where laws and policies fail to correct persistent gender inequalities and gender-based conflicts and violence. The report finds participants rate the implementation of gender equality related laws and policies as “very good” for the sectors of gender mainstreaming in governance, economic empowerment, education and health. However, participants rated the conceptual understanding of “gender equality” as “poor” concept findings also suggest structural, physical, and attitudinal barriers create challenges. As such, the analysis recommends improved synergy between different actors, increased systematic awareness of the meaning and intention of gender equality, strengthening the capacity of local structures for conflict resolution, and increased reporting and feedback mechanisms related to GBV.

To materialize the advancement of gender equality in Rwanda’s planning processes, the government introduced the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) program that aims at ensuring government spending addresses the needs of women and men equitably. This study’s objective examined women’s participation in the district planning and gender budget statement (GBS) process. The study drew on eight districts as cases and utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to address four aims related to GBS. Findings from the report point to multi-sector and multi-level recommendations.  

This report presents research and findings related to the objective to better understand the factors hindering women to access decision-making positions at local administrative entities. The targeted positions at local level are executive committee of the district (Major, both V/mayors), Executive Secretary of the district, Executive Secretary Sector, Cell and Coordinator of the village. Using participatory action research (PAR), the study covered five purposively selected districts to address the question of why there is low representation of women in decision making positions from local public entities (District, sector, cell and village) and local private sector financial institutions (Sacco, Cooperatives and Saving groups) in Rwanda. Three key findings reveal factors, presented by importance and weight, at the institutional level, community level, and individual level. Recommendations for future action are detailed throughout the report.

This report presents a preliminary assessment of Justice chains and attention routes dealing with GBV, their roles, as well as carry out a mapping exercise to define and strengthen service referral systems for GBV victims; as an integral process of improving the systematic provision of quality legal aid at District and Sector levels. This assignment reviewed the mapping of gender-based violence justice chains, processes, and attention routes in five Districts: Bugesera, Gasabo, Musanze, Nyamasheke and Nyaruguru. The study confirmed that laws and policies related to GBV victim effective access to justice exist and clearly assign the role and obligation for each intervening institution. Findings also point to issues related to dissemination of procedural information, data collection and collaboration, financial concerns, and uncertainty around reparations. Nine recommendations are presented in response to the findings.

This report seeks to better understand how communities can respond constructively to teenage pregnancy as this phenomenon gains attention from national and international researchers. Five objectives are addressed through mixed method data collection conducted in seven districts. Findings reveal power imbalances with age, formal education, social integration, and disclosure of male partners are barriers for teenage mothers. Various recommendations are presented to address the findings.

Rwanda adopted a referral system which involves various entities addressing GBV, but GBV cases continue to increase even with many cases going unreported. This study aims to 1) map out the GBV service providers in respective operating regions, and 2) to find out whether the existing referral system is effectively addressing the needs of GBV victims. The report finds many organizations are addressing GBV cases but with overlapping responsibilities. Additional findings reveal lack of reporting is due to a culture of silence, complex referral systems, and misunderstandings around various forms of GBV beyond physical harm. Recommendations are presented for the Ministry of Gender and Family and civil societies.