Exploring Gender Discrepancies in Qualifications in Public Service in Rwanda: Towards an Improved Equity

Abstract

This study explored gender disparities in qualifications in Rwanda’s Public Service and their implications on women’s access to jobs at low and decision-making levels in Rwanda’s public service. The specific objectives were to i) explore how gender disparity in qualifications manifests itself in Rwanda’s public service, ii) identify the causes of gender disparity in qualifications in Rwanda’s public service, iii) identify the implications of gender disparities in qualifications on women’s access to jobs at low and decision-making levels in Rwanda’s Public Service and iv) propose the strategies to minimize gender disparities in qualifications in Rwanda’s Public Service. Descriptive Survey design was adopted. The target population was 81858 civil servants. Using stratified random sampling and simple random sampling, a sample of 96 respondents was selected. Research instruments were a questionnaire and interview guide. Content validity and credibility and internal consistency reliability were used ensure the quality of instruments. Data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study found that (i) there is a remarkable underrepresentation of women in the public service particularly in the senior and middle levels. (ii) Women’s dislike to compete for higher level positions is the main cause of gender disparities (89.7%). (iii) The main implications of gender disparity are unequal distribution of income (98.6%) and a scanty number of women in decision-making positions (83.8%). Awareness raising for women to get married after their higher education was the mainly suggested to minimize gender disparities in the Public Service (79.4%). The findings have enabled us to conclude that a gender disparity in qualifications still exist in Rwanda’s public service and therefore deserves serious consideration to be alleviated. It was recommended that the Government of Rwanda adopt the policy of multiplier effect of female education and maximization of its affirmative action.

Keywords: Gender, gender discrepancies, Public Service, Rwanda