Title: The influence of female representation on the performance of parliament: Key lessons from Rwanda. Level: Final assignment for Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Authors: Mirembe Joseline & Hujie Njie Supervisor: Dr. Maria Fregidou-Malama Examiner: Dr. Ehsanul Huda Chowdhury Date: 2018–June Aim: The aim of this research is to investigate how the presence of female representation in the parliament influences its performance. The focus is to understand the stereotyping of female in the parliament and how it affects its performance. In this regard, the focus is on the innovation, social diversity and leadership styles of women and their influence on performance. Method: To achieve the aim, qualitative method has been adapted through having 10 interviews with both female and male parliamentarians from Rwandan Parliament, Secondary data extracted from books and articles was also used. In this study to combine different theories to provide external knowledge about the topic. The data obtained from primary and secondary were used to analyze and discuss the findings. Result & Conclusions: This study confirms that female participation in the parliament influences its performance especially in gender policy bills and issues to developing poor people in the society. Given their number, they developed confidence in decision making. Also the study reveals that social diversity, innovation as well as leadership styles of women in the parliament boosted the performance. This later helped in collaborating with other institutions and provided capacity-building activities to the public. However, there is still a gap in childcare agenda and working hours as female members of the parliament work beyond working hours. Contribution: This study contributes to existing literature as it examines the ways gender equality can be used as a tool to increase and stimulate discussions before making important decisions. It also shows how organizations can use gender equality as a strategic advantage. Our work gives other parliaments, organizations and countries an insight on how to improve their performance through gender balancing. This study can be used by organizations to gain insight on the way women in general operate when they are in high positions and how it can be used as an advantage. Suggestions for future research: Further research can be conducted to analyze how women can be motivated to progress their career development. Other researchers could research strategies for female to be appointed in high positions.