Judith Kanakuze ( September 19 , 1959 – February 7 , 2010 ) was a Rwandan politician and women 's rights activist best known for passing legislation against gender-based violence , including Rwanda 's first legal definition of rape , and contributing constitutional gender quotas that required women 's representation in governmental bodies . She worked in multiple fields , including nutrition and civil service , before becoming a prominent leader of women after the 1994 Rwandan genocide , in which she lost most of her extended family . Kanakuze founded the early women 's organization and represented women 's interests at the Arusha Accords and on Rwanda 's committee to establish a constitution . The gender quotas that required women to compose at least 30 percent of governmental bodies subsequently quickly spurred women 's participation to exceed the quotas in parliament . She was elected to Parliament in 2003 and reelected in 2008 . During her terms , she presided over the Rwanda Women Parliamentary Forum
Rwandan genocide
Rwandan genocide
Judith Kanakuze