Kigali — The gap between men and women has been increasing. For many years, women have been held in downtrodden state and considered second class citizens. What gave rise to such social transformation was male chauvinism, which had taken a firm hold. As a result, women learned to live with unbecoming social injustice. This meant women had no say in various economic and wealth-creating mechanisms, let alone access to the dividends wrought from the efforts of their creation.

But an improvement for the better has been realized in many spheres in many countries. For example, women have begun participating in political arenas through voting for representatives from the grass roots, to being members of an administration.

This is a real breakthrough as recognition of their cause has gradually manifested.

In some countries, women are not allowed to drive. For example, in Kuwait, women were not allowed to drive until just about seven years ago when they were allowed to join driving schools.

Women have struggled for their rights through strong advocacy to narrow the gap.

Involvement in political arena, which used to be taboo in the past, has considerably increased. This gave rise to the empowerment of different females like Corazino Aquino, the widow of a late opposition leader in the Philippines who was assassinated on his way back from exile in the United States.

Other female leaders past and present include Gloria Arroyo, also hailing from Philippines, and Margaret Thatcher, the "Iron Lady" who ruled Great Britain for a relatively long period of time. Thatcher is one of the pioneers of privatisation, which has proved a success story. There is also Angela Merkel, the current Chancellor of Germany, and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia.

All these are incidences that rejuvenate hope towards gender equality, while at the same time reversing the egotistical trend that had long been assumed to be one of the elements that is embodied within human nature. There is a current example that shows gender equity is gaining ground in Rwanda.

Female representation in Parliament is at 48.8 per cent and at 30 per cent in the Senate. This shows what the future might have in store for gender equality and shows the importance the government attaches to it. The 30 per cent representation is a good gesture towards the eradication of male domination.

Initially, many economic activities were specifically earmarked for men.

This meant the sole source of income within many homes came from men, as they were the only ones engaged in production. As a result, incomes could hardly keep up with domestic demands.

This signified that many families could stay in a perpetual state of poverty, following men's failure to meet daily expenditures.

As the trend changes and women's participation in wealth-creating mechanisms is increasing, there are changes for the better. Families are soundly sustained because of the additional funding, which comes out of women's participation in economic activities.

Local associations for female activists have displayed relentless efforts in the struggle for the promotion of gender and women's welfare in general, and the sensitisation towards gender equality awareness.

All these have been achieved through the creation of a strong advocacy and the mobilization of men and women towards the betterment of this cause.

Strong awareness campaigns towards the creation of co-operative societies have greatly empowered women in the fight against the inferiority complexes.

These had become major setbacks in women's comprehension of the fruits that come from gender equality. They are also in positions to contribute towards the welfare of their families, which in turn oblige their husbands' respect.

This is the most significant aspect as far as co-operative societies are concerned. The pace at which this issue is being put right promises harmony as a result of the arduous struggle to solve the traditional inequality between genders.

The imbalance that exists within the gender equilibrium has to be addressed right from schools so that encouragement towards girls in the pursuit of courses traditionally considered for boys, like science, would remove any stumbling blocks to girls' success.

Nevertheless, as the saying goes, charity begins at home. Parents have to be sensitised about the importance of considering a girl child equal to her brother.

This will significantly improve the gender issue.

More importantly, gender equality should be taught right from Umudugudu level, during security meetings, before the commencement of Gacaca meetings, and after Umuganda exercises. Sensitisation at the community level aims at fostering development.

The church also has a great role to play through the sensitisation of the flock during prayers, as the clergy have a say and can easily influence their congregation about the advantages that come from mutual coexistence. In turn comes gender equity, characterized by gender parity in the society.