Rwanda has been labelled an African 'model' country for gender equality with its commitment to UN gender policies such as Beijing Platform for Action (gender mainstreaming) and Resolution 1325 on gender and conflict. This paper explores how the principles in these UN gender policies are translated into practice in Rwanda from the perspectives of the women's movement. The paper will look into how gender mainstreaming is understood by the representatives of the women's movement? And how the women’s movement make claims on the adoption of the principles outlined in the UN gender policies? In addition, the paper will look into the relations / dynamics between the women’s movement and the national level in Rwanda and try to explore the room for manouvre for the women's movement and here under if we can speak of an autonomous women's movement at all?
