ABSTRACT
Gender politics was one of the arenas, with which the RPF-led government could actively distinguish itself from its predecessor regime by portraying itself as inclusive previously discriminatory policies. For Rwandan women's agenda-setting such a match between domestic and international norms was important. In the case study discussed, salience could be shown on numerous occasions. One of the trademarks that the RPF prided itself in, was its principle of non-discrimination that informed its political manifesto already during the civil war. It also sought to represent women and mediate between them and the rest of Rwandan society. For women, the political party thus became one vehicle of advancing their multiple interests that also included nationalist aspirations. In exposing the Rwandan women's movement to the technical options it had, it was able to purposefully consider which path it would embark on. To ensure the accountability owed to their constituency, the Rwandan women's movement could appeal to the governments own interests and rationale.
