Reshaping Gender Norms in Post-Genocide Rwanda

In instances of widespread conflict and mass atrocities, socially prescribed and perpetuated gender roles often begin to dissolve alongside the rule of law and state institutions. Mass violence tears at the social fabric of the community and accepted norms of gendered behavior are suspended. Recent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Genocide studies international 2016-10, Vol.10 (2), p.230-250
Main Author: Brown, Sara E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advocacy
Atrocities
Biological organs
Community services
Conflict
Equality
Gender equity
Gender inequality
Gender roles
Genocide
Integration
Mainstreaming
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Public spaces
Public sphere
Reproducibility
Rule of law
Rules
Women
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Summary:In instances of widespread conflict and mass atrocities, socially prescribed and perpetuated gender roles often begin to dissolve alongside the rule of law and state institutions. Mass violence tears at the social fabric of the community and accepted norms of gendered behavior are suspended. Recent conflicts, including the genocide in Rwanda, have created a temporary space for the inclusion of women in previously restricted public spheres and capacities. Rwanda stands out as unique because these changes were not temporary. Following the end of the genocide, Rwanda’s state organs, nongovernmental organizations, and community members did not close off these public spaces or advocate for the return of girls and women to pre-genocide gender structures and patriarchal practices. This paper will analyze Rwanda’s gender mainstreaming and gender equality initiatives, identifying three influential factors, and make recommendations for the replication of Rwanda’s success in other post-conflict countries.
ISSN:2291-1847
2291-1855
2291-1855
DOI:10.3138/gsi.10.2.06