Overview: Essential to the reconstruction of Rwanda after the genocide of 1994 was the formation of a new government. The women of Rwanda were an integral part of civic life post-genocide This video segment provides an overview of the role of women in Rwandan government.

Background: 

• In 2003, the new Rwandan constitution reserved 30 % of the seats in parliament for only female candidates. Because of this, Rwanda is a world leader in representation by women in the national legislature.
• Rwanda's history steeped in a legacy of shifting colonial powers and ethnic conflict. First colonized by Germany in 1890s, Rwanda was seized by Belgium during World War I. The European colonists widened tribal resentments between two local ethnic groups, the Hutus and Tutsis, by giving preferential privileges to minority Tutsis tribe

Research and answer all of following questions: 

• Discuss political and economic consequences that resulted from the Rwandan genocide? 
• How does the Rwandan community cope with the consequences of genocide today? 
•  In a society still steeped in segregation and majority/minority status, will the inclusion of women in the government strengthen or weaken the fragile community?
• Do you think this new system of government will work? Why or why not?
• Why was United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda a failure?