The Impact of Gender Equality on Family Poverty Reduction in Rwanda.Case of Cyuve Sector Musanze District (2020-2023)

Abstract

Today, gender equity is a crosscutting issue worldwide. It is in this context that the current study was conducted to analyse the impact of gender equity on socio-economic development in Cyuve sector. It was conducted with four specific objectives namely: to examine how gender equity is promoted in Cyuve sector; to analyze the impact of gender equity on socio-economic development in Cyuve sector; to identify the challenges that hinder gender equity in Cyuve sector; and to propose possible solutions to promote gender equity in promoting socio- economic development in Cyuve sector. The study answered the following key questions: How is gender equity promoted in Cyuve Sector? What is the impact of gender equity on socio- economic development in Cyuve sector? What are the challenges that hinder gender equity in Cyuve Sector? And what are the possible solutions to promote gender equity in order to promote socio-economic development in Cyuve Sector? The hypotheses of the study were that gender equity is promoted in Cyuve sector; gender equity has a positive impact on socio- economic development in Cyuve sector; there are some challenges that hinder gender equity in Cyuve Sector; and finally assumed that there are possible solutions to promote gender equity and socio-economic development in Cyuve Sector. To verify these hypotheses, questionnaire, interview and documentation were used to collect the data from 95 citizens in Cyuve sector selected randomly from residents of Cyuve sector. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and calculator. The results showed that 92.7% of respondents agreed that the there is participation of both men and women in decision-making. Secondly, 85.4% agreed that boys and girls are treated equally and therefore are given the same educational advantages. However, 59% said that women do not significantly participate in social, political and economic activities as men which mean there still evidences. The study has also found that there still challenges that affect implementation of gender equity such as culture, ignorance, religious beliefs and lack of confidence among women and boys. Solutions were also proposed such as encouraging education for all, mobilisation about gender issues, establishing laws supporting gender equity and involving the whole community in gender mainstreaming initiatives. At the end, recommendations were provided pertaining to the findings.