THE CONTRIBUTION OF GENDER EQUALITY TO THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RWANDA A CASE STUDY OF NYARUGENGE DISTRICT (2015-2024)

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of gender equality on socio-economic development in Rwanda, specifically in Nyarugenge District. Particularly the study sought to assess the causes of gender discrimination and violence in Nyarugenge District; to find out the current efforts to attain gender equality in Nyarugenge District; to point out the current gaps in achieving gender equality in Nyarugenge District; to evaluate the correlation between gender equality and the socio-economic development in Nyarugenge District and also to highlight the suggestions and recommendations. The sample size was 400 respondents selected from the total population of 186,897 including Members of Private sector and public servants (Sector of Education, Health, Local Authorities) in Nyarugenge District. The study used cluster sampling; researcher divide a population into smaller groups known as clusters. Thereafter, probability (simple random) and non-probability (purposive) sampling techniques used to choose sampled respondents. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires and interview guide. Questionnaires and interview were used to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics were used where distribution (frequencies, percentages) through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, 23.0). The findings indicate that gender-equitable education empowers both genders and promotes vital life skills, enhances community safety by preventing violence against women and girls, and supports economic growth. Respondents recognized the efforts of Nyarugenge district and government in social protection and implementing gender-responsive laws. Gender equality within families aids economic support, emotional support, and effective child-rearing. The study found significant effects of gender equality on education, health, sanitation, and employment, with a moderate

impact on justice, politics, and leadership, and a slight effect on business inclusion. All chi- square test p-values were below 0.05, confirming a significant relationship between gender

equality and these outcomes. Therefore, gender equality should be explicitly integrated into laws and policies to ensure stakeholder commitment and effective development.