Impact of Polygamy on Gender Equality in Polygamous families of Rwanda.Case of Rubavu District (2019-2024)

Abstract

The study aims to assesses the impact of polygamy on gender equality in Families. The study adopted a case study of Rubavu district in western province. Polygamy has become common practice in many communities of Rubavu district. A combination of methodologies was used, with questionnaires and interviews being used for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Purposive sampling was employed as the sample selection technique, and 63 respondents were chosen for surveys and three key informants for interviews. Utilizing descriptive statistics, the gathered information was examined. The findings of study present the factors that influence polygamous marriage such as religious believes, infertility, family pressure, love and companionship. The findings also state that polygamy affects gender equality by reducing life satisfaction of women, enhancing gender inequality, torture and persecution, wife abusing, enhancing economic disparities, limited education and employment opportunities, unfair treatment of women by husband. The study provided recommendation the appropriate strategies which are purposefully working by co-wives must be enhanced with proper education

and implement programmers that teach coping mechanisms and stress management, Policy- makers should be made aware of the implications of polygamous marriages on women‟s health

and well-being. Community awareness of the effects of polygamy on women through media campaigns should be enhanced. Equal Inheritance Rights by ensure that all wives in polygamous unions have equal rights to inheritance, property, and other.