Role of Gender Equality Strategies in Enhancing Social Inclusion in a Public Sector Institution: A Case of Gasabo District, Rwanda (2021–2025)
Madinah Muganga & Jean Dieu Dushimimana
University of Kigalim Rwanda
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1154-9670
Email: madinahmuga@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examined the role of gender equality strategies in enhancing social inclusion within public sector institutions in Gasabo District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study assessed the role of gender mainstreaming strategy, women’s leadership strategy, and anti-gender-based violence strategy in enhancing social inclusion within the district. The study employed descriptive and correlational research designs using a mixed-methods approach. Correlation analysis findings revealed that gender mainstreaming strategy had a strong positive relationship with social inclusion (r = 0.794), followed by women’s leadership strategy (r = 0.706), and anti-gender-based violence strategy (r = 0.670). The regression model summary showed that the independent variables explained 74.7% of the variation in social inclusion (Adjusted R² = 0.743). Regression coefficient results revealed that gender mainstreaming strategy had a positive and statistically significant effect on social inclusion (β = 0.554, p < 0.05), while anti-gender-based violence strategy also had a positive and statistically significant effect on social inclusion (β = 0.492, p < 0.05). However, women’s leadership strategy had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on social inclusion (β = 0.026, p > 0.05). The study concluded that gender mainstreaming strategy and anti-gender-based violence strategy significantly contribute toward enhancing social inclusion through promoting participation, representation, equality, and inclusion of marginalized groups within Gasabo District. The study recommends that Gasabo District should strengthen awareness creation regarding gender equality support services, improve women’s participation in governance and leadership activities, and strengthen accessibility and effectiveness of GBV reporting systems.
