EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) was adopted by the AU on 11 July 2003, in Maputo, Mozambique, and was ratified by Rwanda on 25 June 2004 by Presidential Order No. 11/01 of 24 June 2004. Article 26 of the Protocol reads that “States Parties shall ensure the implementation of this Protocol at national level, and in their periodic reports submitted in accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter, indicate the legislative and other measures undertaken for the full realisation of the rights herein recognised”. Therefore this is Part B of the periodic report on ACHPR and is Rwanda’s initial report prepared on the Protocol. It covers a period since ratification by Rwanda up to June 2016. 2. This Part highlights achievements in respect of women’s rights in different aspects such as governance, economic, social, civil and political policy standards. For purposes of avoiding repetition, reference is made to Part A, especially in “I”, on information related to country background and some legislative measures. However, for purposes of clarity, information is repeated on institutional and legislative measures. This Part also discusses Rwanda’s compliance with each right provided under the protocol such as right to Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Right to Dignity, The Rights to Life, Integrity and Security of the Person, Elimination of Harmful Practices, Marriage, Separation, Divorce and Annulment of Marriage, Access to Justice and Equal Protection before the Law, Right to Participation in the Political and Decision-Making Process, Right to Peace, Protection of Women in Armed Conflicts, Right to Education and Training, and Reproductive Rights to mention but a few. 3. The preparation of this report was done under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST) with the help of various stakeholders. The collected information has been discussed in different meetings with government institutions, the Judiciary, the Civil Society Organisations and even the general public through the national radio and national television. Consultative meetings and validation workshops bringing Page 68 of 105