Rwanda mobilises women ahead of local elections
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rwanda Dispatch
Rwanda’s National Women’s Council is calling on more women to stand for positions in local administrations, where they remain under-represented and hold, among other roles, 23% of seats at district level. The campaign, conducted with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, comes ahead of local elections scheduled from 24 October to 7 November, according to the National Women’s Council.
Rwanda’s National Women’s Council is calling on more women to stand in local elections and take part in voting, as the first ballot begins this week. The campaign is being conducted with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, according to Rwanda Dispatch.
Elections will begin at village level on 24 October, followed by cells on 31 October and sectors on 7 November, according to the National Electoral Commission. Nyirajyambere Belancille, president of the National Women’s Council, said training aims to strengthen candidates’ confidence and leadership skills, including speaking during campaigns and choosing positions to stand for.
Women make up 23% of elected representatives at district level, according to Nyirajyambere. They hold 18% of deputy mayor positions responsible for economic affairs, compared with 74% of those responsible for social affairs. Their share is 18% in village leadership and 19% at sector level. Rwanda’s Constitution stipulates that at least 30% of positions in decision-making bodies must be held by women.
The call is part of preparations for the elections on 24 October, following the training of Rwandan volunteers, announced on 4 October. The council is also seeking to broaden the participation of young people and people with disabilities in local governance.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
