Understanding drug trafficking in Rwanda : A gender perspective (2017-2019)

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the gender dynamics between males and females‟ involvement in drug trafficking in Gasabo District. It is an explanatory research of mixed design of qualitative and quantitative approaches. From the population of 422 individuals, 68 were sampled, and stratified, quota and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents from two major categories of inmates convicted of drug trafficking and public officials in the criminal justice system from which interviews, questionnaires and documentary review were used to collect both primary and secondary. The study generally found out gender differences and similarities in motivating factors to drug trafficking, with females mainly influenced by social economic factors as vulnerable of poor living conditions such as divorce, separation, loss of husbands, family conflicts, infidelity of husbands and unplanned pregnancies / births; whereas males were found to be motivated by personal factors like personal decisions in risk taking, drug consumption background and insufficient parental control or child adversity especially to youths. Concerning similar motivating factors, males and females reported to be influenced by poverty, unemployment and youth headed families. In regard to the gender roles played in drug trafficking activities, both males and females engaged through productive and reproductive roles in society, with females engaged through prostitution, drug mules, milking practices, care giving to patients, Muslim head scarf and face veil wearing styles and baby carrying practices; whereas males use small bars mixed with shops in residential houses, motorcyclists transporting market commodities, bicyclists fetching water in jercans, selling traditional medicines, wedding convoy, funeral vans transport and partnering with more women. Therefore, the study recommended gender sensitive strategies for effective prevention such as extension of social support to vulnerable women and unemployed youths; formal education program, enhanced targeted operations, and intelligence powered by neighbourhood watch.