The case of Rwanda provides a laboratory to explore a unique set of circumstances. This
thesis builds upon feminist theory, the literature on post-conflict situations and failed states. It
finds that although Rwanda's post-conflict situation provided unexpected and historic
opportunities for women to enter politics (a record 64 percent of the members of parliament are
female), more women in parliament does not mean the end of patriarchy. Since 1994, Rwanda
has experienced significant yet limited progress toward gender equality in employment and
education. However, much remains to be done and gender dynamics have not changed
substantively. Rather, increasing the numbers of women in parliament has been politically
expedient for the governing Rwandan Patriot Front, which has not done all it can to empower
women. Therefore, Rwandan women are in a precarious position; they owe their opportunity to
participate in democratic institutions to a political party that runs an authoritarian state.