About SecurityWomen in Rwanda

Women in security

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 adopted in 2000 advocates for women’s increased participation in global security. However, disappointingly, research continues to show that women’s voices in national, regional and international security processes remain marginalised and women’s perspectives excluded from the policy making processes. Valerie Norville in The Role of Women in Global Security (2011) highlights the lack of women’s representation in peace settlements and the insufficient recognition of their contributions in security-related discussions. Women's involvement – from grassroots upwards – is vital for defining security challenges and crafting effective solutions. The UN Human Rights Council has added its voice to the challenges women peacebuilders face to meaningfully engage and participate in peacebuilding. As a consequence, policy development is fragmented and the efficacy of peacebuilding efforts compromised.

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Rwanda, often regarded as a "best-case" example of gender equality, has emerged as a global example of gender inclusion, particularly in its post-genocide rebuilding process where women played a key role in the country’s local gacaca courts post-1994. The country’s proactive approach to integrating women into governance structures has significantly increased their representation. In fact, Rwanda’s legal reforms have prioritised gender equality, and women now hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats. This progress is evident in the increased roles of women in peacebuilding and decision-making processes (Inclusive Security, 2012).

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Rwanda has also taken steps to strengthen women’s participation in security sectors, such as establishing gender desks within security agencies to promote gender equality. Further work is needed to enhance these desks' capacity to influence national and regional security policies. Strengthening the connection between women leaders and local women’s groups is also crucial for sustaining progress and ensuring women's representation in shaping security frameworks (ibid). 

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Many women, particularly in rural areas, still face challenges such as limited access to decision-making roles and persistent gender biases (NAI, 2020). These barriers hinder the full inclusion of women’s perspectives in security policies and peacebuilding strategies. To address these issues, further efforts are required to enhance women’s influence in decision-making and embed their leadership in peacebuilding and security frameworks at national and regional levels. Strengthening links between women in leadership positions and community-based groups is essential for advancing the WPS agenda in Rwanda.

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Mission

Our aim is to promote the equal inclusion of women in security sector organisations.

Objectives

• To provide information relating to, and promote the public awareness of, gender equality in security sector institutions around the world, including the police and the military.
•   To research into, and monitor, the state of gender equality in security sector institutions.
•   To promote gender equality in security sector institutions

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Values

As a strong advocate of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, our work in partnership with SecurityWomen will contribute to the global Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and create pathways to address the under-representation of women in security organisations and leadership roles across Eastern Africa at regional, national and international levels.

SecurityWomen Rwanda  seeks to  provide a collaborative platform for all women across the security sector and related disciplines, including education and policy development and reform, to share their experiences and amplify their voices. Working collaboratively, we aim to ensure that the valuable contributions of women are recognised and celebrated, fostering an environment where their leadership is central to shaping security policy and peacebuilding strategies. Prioritising research on the barriers women face to enter and progress to leadership roles in security organisations will be instrumental to our work and ensuring women’s perspectives are integral to the development of policy and best practice.

Our vision is a security sector that is transformed by the leadership, perspectives, and expertise of women, and where diversity and inclusivity are the foundations for global peace and security. Collaborating and working with like-minded organisations will be key to our influencing policy reforms that promote gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and career progression in the security sector. Together, we will challenge gender-based violence and advocate for zero tolerance against violence, combat stereotypes, eliminate discrimination against women, and promote an environment of equal opportunities where women excel in the security sector. We will do this by:

Promoting and Empowering Women in the security sector to become transformative leaders, ensuring their voices and contributions reshape security practices, policies, and peacebuilding efforts globally.

Researching and investigating the barriers that inhibit women’s progress, from how to attract and retain more women to join the military, police and other security services to creating a women friendly professional working environment free from gender discrimination and bias

Providing training, mentorship, and advocacy for young women aspiring to progress a career in security and empowering them to become leaders within the security sector and their communities.

Supporting the creation of a regional women’s coalition to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda leveraging learning from peace processes  to elevate women’s leadership in this area.

Ensuring a survivor-centred approach that addresses trauma, social and economic reintegration, as well as justice and accountability.

Sharing experiences and good practices, as well as lessons learned and contributing to advancing gender equality in security policies and initiatives.

Mobilising all stakeholders, including men and women leaders, civil society, and faith organisations to transform ‘positive masculinity’ from a slogan into meaningful action for peace and security.

Encouraging sex disaggregated data collection, research and analysis that drives inclusive strategies and better advocacy for women’s empowerment in the security sector.

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Executive

Dr Juliet Colman, former President of UNIFEM UK (now UN Women UK), and UN Representative of NAWO (National Alliance of Women’s Organisations) UK, is the Director and founder of SecurityWomen‍‍‍

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