Social+Issues-Womens+Rights+Political-FA11

** Political Impact **
Before the genocide, Rwandan women never had more than eighteen percent of Parliament's seats. Now, Rwanda has been named by the UN as the country with the most representation of women and it has the most participation of women in development of the country, especially considering the country's past. As of t he latest UN Women report released July 6, 2001 in New York ,f ifty-one percent of parliamentarians are women, which is the highest of that percentage in the world. This has led to more womens' rights to be carried out. This has led to the improvement of women's prosperity and inheritance rights. Laws have been passed, protecting women from domestic violence and marital rape. Michelle Bachelet, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, believes the rights of women have improved around the world but more must be done. The report notices progress made in 139 countries in guaranteeing gender equality in their constitutions. However, women continue to experience injustice, violence and inequality in their homes and work. In 1911, only two countries in the world allowed women to vote and now that right is practically universal.
 * Rwanda**

According to the UN, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the "rape capital" of the world. There have been m any gang rapes, forced incest and genital mutilation with sticks, knives and gunfire. It is estimated that at least a quarter of the population has become infected with AIDS and are dying from this disease that was spread during the genocide.In a study conducted from 2006 to 2007, forty eight rapes were recorded every hour. In 2009, there were 8,300 rapes just in eastern Congo. The UN has made rape a war crime so the soldiers use rape as a weapon of war, destroying villages. Women need permission from their husbands to do certain things outside of the home, including financial transactions.The DRC is trying to encourage and recruit women into politics in hopes that it would further women's rights and give them a foothold for a voice. The only problem is that women are very reluctant to participate. Only 7.2% of high government positions are occupied by women. In Parliament, women would be able to speak out against violence against women without being afraid of repercussions.
 * Congo**