Rwanda unveils gender-balanced cabinet with 50 percent women
Almost two thirds of the East African nation MPs are female
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rwanda has become the second African nation in a week to announce a gender-balanced Cabinet with 50 per cent of its members women.
The east African nation announced that women now make up half of the slimmed-down, 26-seat Cabinet.
It joins a handful of countries, mostly European, where women make up 50 percent or more of ministerial positions, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and United Nations (UN) Women.
The country has received international recognition for female representation in government, with women making up 61 percent of parliament members.
Ethiopia's move this week was the latest in a series of dramatic political and economic reforms under prime minister Abiy Ahmed, who took office in April.
Mr Abiy reportedly told politicians that women are less corrupt than men.
"A higher number of women in decision-making roles have led to a decrease in gender discrimination and gender-based crimes," Rwanda's President Paul Kagame said on Friday in remarks to judicial officials.
That does not mean men should not be involved, the president said.
"But you must play an important role in upholding the rights of women," he added.
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments