Evolving Legal Frameworks in Rwanda: Addressing Gender-Based Discrimination Among Rural Women Farmers in the Agri-sector

Rwanda has seen significant legal reforms aimed at addressing gender-based discrimination in various sectors, including agriculture where rural women farmers face unique challenges. A qualitative approach was employed to gather data from interviews with agricultural experts and rural women farmers, focusing on changes in legislation over a decade. There has been an increase in the number of legal provisions protecting women's rights in agriculture, particularly concerning land tenure and inheritance. Women now represent a higher proportion (35%) of beneficiaries in agricultural support programmes compared to previous years. The findings suggest that while there is progress, persistent challenges such as cultural norms and bureaucratic inefficiencies remain. Further legal reforms should focus on enhancing enforcement mechanisms and integrating gender perspectives into existing laws. Increased community engagement is also recommended to address deeply ingrained cultural barriers.