Effect of Gender Mainstreaming Strategies on Uplifting the Livelihoods of Rural Communities in Rwanda: A Case Study of Bugesera District, Rwanda

Abstract

This purpose of this study was to establish the effect of gender mainstreaming in uplifting the livelihoods of rural communities in Rwanda. The objectives of the study included: to assess the level of staff awareness on gender mainstreaming in the rural community, to examine the influence of resource mobilization on gender mainstreaming in in the community, to establish the influence of patriarchy systems on gender mainstreaming in the community and to determine the influence of policy functionality on gender mainstreaming in the rural communities in Rwanda. Descriptive research design was used in carrying out the study. The target population comprised of 150 respondents of Bugesera District. A sample size of 110 respondents was determined using Yamane's formula. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample size. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 21.Data analysis involved statistical computations for averages, percentages, and correlation and regression analysis.  The study revealed that the community did very little to create awareness among its members on gender issues. There were also gaps in terms of resource mobilization especially the allocation of human resources. It was further established that male dominance is still evident in the community. Furthermore, the study revealed that despite the existence of policies, their functionality was still very low in terms of gender mainstreaming. The study therefore concluded that gender mainstreaming still faces major challenges and action was needed. Major recommendations were that; the government should equip community members with knowledge and skills on gender mainstreaming, community sensitization should be undertaken to change discriminatory cultural practices, adequate financial and human resources should be allocated to gender mainstreaming, the government together with other institutions should claim ownership of the gender mainstreaming process to ensure sustainable resource mobilization and those in the policy and budgetary chain should be educated to ensure gender sensitivity. Areas for further research work included a study on; factors influencing policy formulation in gender mainstreaming, factors contributing to female marginalization in projects, the impact of human resource allocation on gender mainstreaming. This would highlight the issues underlying the failure of gender mainstreaming and inform decision makers on the necessary action that is needed.