Women are increasingly pursuing leadership positions in universities across Rwanda, serving in student councils, class committees, and governance structures that shape campus life, even if some challenges remain.
At the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), the University of Rwanda (UR) Huye Campus, Mount Kigali University (MKU), and East African University Rwanda (EAUR), stakeholders point to notable gains in women’s leadership.
According to Gahamanyi Viateur, The Coordinator of Courses and Examinations at ICK, gender inclusion has become part of the institution’s culture. The institution’s Student Union Guild Council currently comprises 15 women and 9 men, making women the majority in one of the university’s principal student leadership bodies, he said.
“It did not require any specific rule to enforce it. Students embraced it on their own initiative,” he said, referring to the dual male-female class representative system that promotes shared leadership and collaboration.
Hirwa Hakim Cyusa, Vice President of the MKU Gender Club, said leadership positions are often structured to encourage gender balance.
“The number of women in decision-making positions is generally balanced. If the chairperson is male, the vice chairperson is often female, and vice versa,” he said.
James Vuningoma,The Student Vice Speaker at the University of Rwanda Huye Campus credited institutional policies with helping to create an inclusive environment.
“The campus has policies against gender-based discrimination and promote women empowerment. We regularly conduct awareness campaigns that promote respect, equality, and inclusion,” he said.
Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mukamana, a professor and PhD coordinator at UR Huye Campus, said women are increasingly earning leadership positions based on merit and demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively in both academic and administrative settings.
She challenged perceptions that women are better suited to supportive roles and emphasized that students are encouraged to pursue leadership opportunities regardless of gender.
Challenges Persist
Statistics from the four concerned universities show the number of women joining students’ leadership is still low compared to their male counterparts.
Despite the progress made, some students believe barriers to participation of women in leadership remain.
Denish Ondieki Bundi, a student at Mount Kigali University and a representative of the MKU Magazine, said a lack of confidence continues to discourage some women from seeking leadership roles.
“Many female students hesitate to take on leadership responsibilities because they still lack the self-confidence. However, when elected they become the best performers,” he said.
To address this challenge, the university has introduced leadership workshops aimed at strengthening students’ confidence and leadership skills.
Marie Merci Utetiwabo, First Vice-Guild President of the ICK Student Union, believes sustained support is essential to maintaining progress.
“What is still needed is continuous encouragement for women to get interested in leadership and share their ideas,” she said.
She advocated for mentorship programmes, awareness campaigns, and empowerment initiatives that can help women build confidence and strengthen their decision-making skills.
At EAUR, students highlighted the university’s efforts to foster an inclusive academic environment through policies that promote fairness, accountability, and gender equality.
IGIRANEZA Denise Liliane The Minister of Gender at EAUR Kigali Campus said these measures demonstrate the institution’s commitment to ensuring that both male and female students can participate meaningfully in academic and leadership activities.
According to 2020 Youth Leadership, structured leadership programs in schools enhance essential skills, build self-confidence, and prepare students for real-life challenges while addressing obstacles such as stress and task delegation.
Author: Roger J. Rwema