2007 Women Parliamentarians International Conference

Purpose
Drawing on lessons from Rwanda's rebuilding after civil war and genocide, The Initiative for Inclusive Security held a training of 13 African women parliamentarians in Kigali, Rwanda from February 21-27 to exchange strategies for managing post-conflict governance challenges. The five-day workshop focused on the experiences of Rwanda's women parliamentarians, who today hold a record 49 percent of seats in the lower house of parliament (the world averages 17 percent). Ambassador Swanee Hunt, chair of Inclusive Security, facilitated the workshop with members of The Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FFRP) participating. The FFRP is a cross-party parliamentary caucus that represents the interests of women.

Consultations
The 13 participants, who came from Liberia, Uganda, and Burundi, received training on Inclusive Security's Toolkit, and strategies for effective leadership. They also examined the Rwandan model of women's post-genocide leadership as a point of reference to reflect on their own countries and contexts. Several Rwandan parliamentarians and other government officials met with the group to share their expertise. For example:

Judith Kanakuze, member of the Rwandan Parliament and chairwoman of the FFRP, discussed the country's gender-based violence legislation and how women parliamentarians strategically engaged male colleagues to create a cooperative policy campaign. Rwanda's gender-based violence bill is currently being debated in committee.

Senator Aloisea Inyumba shared her perspective as a Rwandan legislator. She spoke about her personal and professional life, as well as how to juggle and prioritize the needs of constituents.

Fatuma Ndangiza, executive secretary, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, explained the various components of Rwanda's reconciliation efforts, emphasizing the role of indigenous mechanisms for promoting peace. The visiting parliamentarians were invited to attend a report on the local transitional justice process, known as gacaca.

In addition, participants reviewed the FFRP's five-year strategic plan, which was created in close consultation with civil society and rural communities.

Gender, Nation Building, and Parliaments
The 13 parliamentarians also joined the 400 world leaders who were in Kigali from February 22-23 for "Gender, Nation Building, and Parliaments," an international conference hosted by the FFRP. The conference generated a series of recommendations for increasing and maintaining the number of women holding seats in their respective governments.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeanette Kagame joined Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in presiding over the opening and closing of the conference. Johnson Sirleaf, a member of Inclusive Security's global Women Waging Peace Network, was joined at the conference by another Network member, Vabah Gayflor (Liberia).

Publications
"'Gender Is Society': Inclusive Lawmaking in Rwanda's Parliament"
By Elizabeth Powley and Elizabeth Pearson, Critical Half
Winter 2007

Strengthening Governance: The Role of Women in Rwanda's Transition (October 2003)

Directory of Women Peace Experts
Use our directory to learn more about women peace experts from Rwanda.

Press Releases & Media Coverage
Inclusive Security Joins Government Officials in Rwanda for International Women Conference
February 20, 2007

Resources
Learn about Inclusive Security's Rwanda Project.

Learn more about the FFRP Conference.