Rwanda High Court: Creative Industry Must Address 'Uncomfortable Comments' and Harassment

• A recent study found that nearly three in ten women in Rwanda's creative industry regularly encounter uncomfortable comments, while 12 per cent report receiving sexual propositions.
• The research identified wider gender-related challenges, including discrimination, underpayment, and limited bargaining power for young women.
• Lawyers advising clients in the sector should be aware of these compliance exposures and advise clients on how to negotiate fair terms.

Women, especially young women, are not in leadership. They are mostly in technical jobs or are the faces of the industry, but they are not necessarily the owners of the businesses, the big producers or the people making most of the money.

A recent study conducted by the University of Rwanda and its partners has shed light on the prevalence of sexual harassment in Rwanda's creative industry. The research, which covered seven countries including Rwanda, found that nearly three in ten women in the sector regularly encounter uncomfortable comments, while 12 per cent report receiving sexual propositions. These unwanted interactions can occur from colleagues, clients, or people in positions of authority, and are often more frequent for those working late-night shifts. A Kigali karaoke singer who wished to remain anonymous shared her experiences, stating that women may face inappropriate comments and propositions, which can escalate into demands for their phone numbers or even sex. She emphasized the vulnerability of women working in unsafe environments with inadequate formal contracts, making it difficult for them to negotiate fair terms.

The study's findings highlight the need for lawyers advising clients in Rwanda's creative industry to be aware of the high prevalence of sexual harassment. This can lead to discrimination, underpayment, and other compliance exposures. The research also identified wider gender-related challenges, including 61 per cent of respondents reporting experiencing discrimination in the industry, and 48.75 per cent saying gender-related barriers had affected their careers. Furthermore, 23 per cent reported gender-linked underpayment. Jolly Rubagiza, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Rwanda, attributed some of these disparities to the informal nature of the sector, where salaries are often not fixed and young women have limited bargaining power. She emphasized the importance of formal contracts in enabling women to negotiate fair terms.

The study's results demonstrate that sexual harassment remains a recurring challenge for women seeking to build careers in Rwanda's creative industry. Despite strong interest in the sector, with 96.25 per cent of respondents wanting to pursue long-term careers and 89.75 per cent feeling they were thriving, harassment can discourage creatives from sharing their work or opinions publicly. Adelphine Ntagara, the project's National Creative Ambassador, highlighted the need for awareness about online harassment, which can quickly escalate into abuse. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing these challenges to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Rwanda's creative industry.

Lawyers advising clients in Rwanda's creative industry should be aware of the high prevalence of sexual harassment, which can lead to discrimination, underpayment, and other compliance exposures. They may need to advise clients on how to negotiate fair terms, including formal contracts, to mitigate these risks.

Source: Original reporting via University of Rwanda and partners