Monitoring Accountability and the Promotion of the Rights of Women: A Case of African Peer Review Mechanisms (APRM) in Rwanda

Rwanda promotes moral accountability, discipline and integrity among public sector employees by preaching example and action. An innovation system known as Imihigo or a home-grown performance contract signed by policy implementers, is among the key drivers for good performance in public administration as it emphasises accountability with biting teeth. Imihigo is used as part of policy planning, monitoring and evaluation system in building Rwanda’s development and economic growth. However, while this initiative produces good performance outcomes, there is still more to be done in the promotion of the rights of women. The government is committed to gender equality by signing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The country also has the Ministry of Gender and Women in Development. This Ministry has the responsibility of coordinating policy implementation in the promotion of gender related matters. The Gender Monitoring Office established by the Constitution, was designed to promote gender equity and the rights of women in Rwanda. This chapter discusses the issues noting that regardless of these achievements, there is a strong view that women still face societal discrimination.