Les femmes rwandaises et la campagne électorale - Inter ...

Rwandan Women and the Electoral Campaign • 30 - 31 July 2003
‣ These provisions are but a first step towards gender parity in politics. It should be noted that reserving
24 seats for women in the Chamber of Deputies is merely a minimum. Women should also be present
on the list of candidates running for the other 53 seats.
III.
Prerequisites of a good woman candidate
‣ It is imperative that all women candidates be provided with the skills needed to carry out their
parliamentary duties. The mere fact of being a woman is not enough to be elected.
‣ All good candidates to election, male or female, should meet the following requirements:
− He or she should be able and ready to listen to their constituents and be capable of
drawing the necessary conclusions;
− He or she should be able to request and give advice;
− He or she should be conscious of the situation and problems of others;
− He or she should play the democratic game;
− He or she should always bear in mind the greater good and be accountable to the people;
− He or she should be humble in behaviour and conduct.
‣ The political arena has long been dominated by men. As a result, women find themselves in a
more difficult situation and still have to carve out a niche for themselves in this decision-making
sphere. Moreover, in order to compete with men, women have to be twice as competent.
‣ Women’s experience in politics needs to be strengthened:
− Involvement in the work of associations, unions, etc., provides women with rich and vast
experience and allows them to prove themselves and develop their self-esteem and
confidence;
− Seminars such as this one prove to be quite useful;
− The exchange of experience with MPs from neighbouring countries is also rewarding.
IV.
Overcoming the challenges facing women politicians
The need for solidarity among women
‣ Entering the world of politics is a challenge for women. Solidarity among Rwandan women is
crucial, particularly in the defence and promotion of women's rights.
‣ Women of all social classes must support each other and help each other, thereby rising above
the political differences which are inherent in any pluralist electoral system.
‣ Women should ensure that the electoral process is as inclusive as possible and brings together all
Rwandan women, from the grassroots to the elite, in the defence of human rights. Meetings of
women of all social classes and from all regions will foster exchange of experiences, cooperation
and solidarity.
‣ Solidarity among women is also crucial in avoiding political manipulation to which women, often
being political novices, may fall victim. Women should rely on civil society organisations and seek
out new ideas from women in order to remain focused on their objectives.
Changing attitudes
‣ Changing attitudes through education is imperative in encouraging the participation of women in politics
and in public life.
‣ It is fundamental that young girls be educated, and that stereotypes associated with the distinctive roles
of men and women in society be challenged and countered from an early age and at school. In this
way, future generations of men and women will be more open to the participation of women in politics.
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