The impact of Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community on women’s

Abstract

The study explored the impact of Rwanda’s economic integration into East African Community on women’s participation in global business, a case study of Nyarugenge and Muhima Sectors in Nyarugenge district. The study was guided by four objectives namely: to establish the current stake of women in global business with Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community; to identify the various global business enterprises that Rwandan women are engaged in under the courtesy of Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community; to analyse the challenges hindering women’s participation in global business brought about by Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community; and to find out practical solutions to the challenges hindering women’s participation in global business in Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community. The study was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The literature that was reviewed for the study was gathered from different textbooks, manuals, reports, journals and from internet. Both Simple Random Sampling and Purposive Sampling were used to select a total of 150 general and key respondents respectively for the study. To gather primary data for the study during the field, the researcher used the questionnaire, interview and observation guides. Data was finally analyzed using Microsoft Excel later presented in tables, pie-charts, and graphs. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of the current stake of women in global business with Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community. The findings of the study further indicated that the majority of respondents were aware of the various global business enterprises that Rwandan woman are engaged in under the courtesy of Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community. However, it was concluded that the majority of respondents were aware of any measures that were in place to the challenges hindering women’s participation in global business in Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community. Among the challenges included lack of management position and limited access to finance. The study also concluded that the majority of respondents were aware of measures that were in place to the challenges hindering women’s participation in global business in Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community; such as establishment of cooperatives and equipping organized women groups with the knowledge and skills through workshops and seminars. The research concluded the study by seeking more other practical solutions that could be adopted in Rwanda’s economic integration into the East African Community such as the need to conduct active and occasional outreach information sessions and the need for sustained equal justice in service delivery. Basing on the study findings, various recommendations were made such as joint permanent commissions composed of a big number of women; and that partner states should adopt a common strategy for customs integrated information systems that would enable women engage in global businesses. Further, basing on the study findings, some areas for further study were suggested. Among them include: a need to find out modalities appropriate for establishing the single customs territory in the region in line with mechanisms for tax collection and distribution amongst the partner states that will motivate Rwandan women into global businesses; and research to investigate the measures of how partner states (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi) will be compensated to adjust the costs arising from tariff revenue and otherincome losses while getting prepared to harmonize their policies and laws in taxation.