women and youth. As a result, women represent 64% of the seats in the lower chamber of Parliament, 38% in the Senate, 40% of the cabinet, 46% of the Judiciary, and 40% of the provincial governor seats. Representation at district, sector and Kigali City consultative councils stands at 43.2%, 45.1% and 51.5% respectively. This trend is also reflected in other decision-making positions in the Private sector, Central and Local Government, 40% of Provincial Governors, 43.2% of district council members and 83.3% of Vice Mayors in charge of social affairs.42. 55. This increased presence in leadership and decision-making has had the double effect of entrenching gender equality in development processes and changing the mind set and patriarchal attitudes towards women. It has also significantly increased women’s confidence and self-esteem and provided the youth with positive role models, contributing to the eradication of gender-based discrimination. It is an invaluable opportunity for promoting specific gender equality reforms and a channel for influencing gender sensitive laws and policies and their effective implementation. 56. The MIGEPROF, the NWC, FFRP, CSOs, and development partners provide support to enhance capacity for women in different fields including economic empowerment, advocacy skills, and legislative and communication skills. Women Leaders Network was also established to provide political, leadership and communication training in leadership for young women and girls. 57. The network also supports mentorship of young women and girls in institutions of higher learning in different aspects of leadership, career guidance and communication. Programmes like Imbuto Foundation’s Toast Master clubs, under the leadership of H.E. the First Lady Jeannette Kagame, play a key role building leadership qualities among young women and girls. These clubs have helped young girls realize their potential in different fields including leadership and participation and public speaking. The training is carried out through organized debates on national and global issues. 42 NISR and GMO, National Gender Statistics Report 2013. Page 83 of 105