|
|
Text and ChartsHowever you choose to look at it, poverty in Rwanda is widespread. In terms of income, 65.3% of the population was estimated to live below the poverty line in 1998. While in terms of social indicators for 1998, life expectancy is a mere 48.5 and infant mortality is 129 for every 1000 live births (compared to 54 and 91 respectively for Sub-Saharan Africa).
Despite
the poor health outcomes however, Rwanda’s access to basic health care is
relatively good. 87 % of the population were within 2 hours walking distance
of a health centre in 1996, and the proportion of centres implementing the
Minimum Package of services is high. This discrepancy may be partly explained
by the high level of malnutrition, which underlines the importance of food
security and agricultural incomes. Malaria and respiratory diseases are the
two main reported causes of mortality. Concerning education, although Rwanda’s gross primary
school enrolment rate of 89% in 1997/8 compares favourably with the rest of
Sub-Saharan Africa, the quality of education is low. Only 46% of teachers were
qualified in 1998, teaching materials are inadequate, and drop-out rates are
high. The enrolment in secondary education is very poor, at only 7% in 1998.
And only 31% of first cycle teachers were qualified in 1998. Rwanda has one of the highest population densities in Africa. Its population is estimated at 7.88 million in 1998, and is thought to be growing at about 3.6% per year. It is predominantly rural (94%) and female (54%). Following the events of 1994, females headed 34% of households in 1996. Women
constitute the majority of the Rwandese population and its labor force,
particularly in agriculture, but have faced substantial constrains on their
participation in the economy and society. The discriminatory laws and
practices in education, employment, inheritance and finance have marginalised
women. Consequently, the majority of women in Rwanda remain poor and
vulnerable. The
Government is committed to the empowerment of women and ensuring the increased
participation of women in decision making. The Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAFASO)
is charged with the responsibility to champion the government’s program to
enhance women’s integration in the development process. The mandate of the
Ministry is to enhance positive change in attitudes and promote community
based organizational structures and programs to facilitate the empowerment and
mainstreaming of women and other vulnerable groups in the development process. The National Assembly will enact an amendment of the civil code to eliminate discrimination against women with respect to inheritance and property rights by end September 1999. This amendment will cover matrimonial regimes, liberality and succession. Existing laws such as the labor code are also being amended to eliminate discriminatory provisions. In addition, the Government will adopt, by end December 1999, a comprehensive action plan for a systematic elimination of other forms of discrimination against women and to improve their access to economic services and opportunities. Furthermore, the MINAFASO will conduct a nation-wide campaign to sensitize the population with the new provisions of the civil code.
Indicators
Source: 'Rwanda Development Indicators 1999', MINECOFIN, July 1999.
|
