In Rwanda, gender equality and complementarity between women and men, girls and boys, are among the pillars of the country's development.

This does not only concern women and men holding the same positions, but also whether both sexes have equal opportunities to study, use their abilities, and participate in decisions that affect them.

The principle of gender equality begins in the family, because this is where a child first learns their value and the opportunities they can have in life. However, the question remains whether boys and girls are truly given equal opportunities.

“When They Have the Same Needs, I Do Not Consider Whether One Is a Boy or a Girl”

Uwineza Sandrine, a parent from Karambi Sector in Nyamasheke District, says that when her children have needs, she does not consider the sex of the child who should be helped first.

She says: “I have both children, and when I have the ability to support them, I do not look at whether this one is a boy or a girl. I look at what each child needs to continue studying well.”

However, Misago Augustin, a parent from Nyamabuye Sector in Muhanga District, says that some parents still have the mindset that boys should be given more because they will have more responsibilities than girls in the future.

He says: “Sometimes parents think that a boy will have more responsibilities, especially when it comes to earning money and taking care of the family. This may lead them to support him more than the girl.”

Despite this, he agrees that girls should also be given opportunities to achieve what they are capable of.

Shyaka Jules, a male student in Senior Three at GS Nyabisindu Secondary School in Nyamabuye Sector, Muhanga District, says that gender equality should not be about competition.

He says: “Being a boy does not mean that I should be given more than what my sister needs. A parent should look at what a child needs rather than their sex.”

He adds that even when money is limited, a parent should consider which child needs a particular school item more instead of prioritizing one sex.

No Profession Is Unsuitable for Either Sex

Nyirahabimana Solange, a teacher at GS Nyabisindu Secondary School, says that computers, the internet, and other technological devices play a role in learning and should therefore not be considered only for boys.

She says: “A child who can access a computer or the internet has a way of finding more information than one who does not have access to them.”

Regarding professions, Mutesi Chantal, a parent from Ruhango District, says that girls should not be prevented from studying information technology, construction, or mechanics because these professions are considered suitable for boys.

On the other hand, Nyiragafaranga Cecile, from Nyamabuye Sector in Muhanga District, says that although both children are given what they need, a girl may have additional needs beyond those of a boy.

She says: “I give both children what they need without considering whether one is a girl or a boy, but a girl may have additional specific needs, including sanitary pads, body lotion, and other things. As for school materials, I buy them the same amount for both.”

Are Boys Given the Same Opportunities as Girls?

The answer is not simply “yes” or “no.”

Both boys and girls should have opportunities to study, use their abilities, and choose the subjects and professions they want. However, equality does not mean that every child must receive exactly the same things in the same quantities.

If one child needs a book while another needs a computer, the most important thing is that each child receives what they need to be able to use their abilities.

What Do the Statistics Show?

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), in the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey Report (EICV7), shows that progress has been made, although differences remain in some areas.

In primary schools, girls' school attendance stands at 94%, while boys' attendance stands at 92%. Regarding literacy among people aged 15 and above, men stand at 78%, while women stand at 74%.

In computer literacy, men stand at 15%, while women stand at 11%.

The 2024 National Gender Statistics Report also shows that girls account for 59.3% of students in upper secondary schools, while boys account for 40.7%.

In technical and vocational education and training schools, girls account for 43.4%, while boys account for 56.6%.

In higher education institutions, women account for 44.2%, while men account for 55.8%.

These figures show that neither side can be said to have more opportunities than the other in every area.