There is a need for more companies to sign up for gender equality seal program in their agenda, for a greater step towards achieving gender equality, especially in private sectors makes up 90 per cent of the workforce.

This was said on Tuesday during an event to recognise 8 companies in private and public sectors, for their achievements and commitment to promoting gender equality and accountability.

It was organised by the Gender Monitoring Office and the Private Sector Federation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women.

The gender equality seal program is an initiative that helps companies to integrate gender equality aspects in their plans, process and procedures.

The recognition was based on companies that have gone through gender self-assessments, developed action plans and started implementing them in their institutions to bridge gender gaps.

The event was the second cohort following the first one which took place in 2019.

Recognized companies were Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda, Mata Tea Company, MTN Rwanda, Nyabihu Potato Company, Rwanda Energy Group, Rwanda Interlink Transport Company (RITCO) and Wolfram Mining and Processing Company.

The private sector federation was also recognized for championing gender equality in the private sector.

The gender equality seal certification program was initiated in 2017 with aim of supporting private sector companies to promote gender equality through their business.

So far, 22 private sector companies and 5 public institutions whose work contributes to private sector development have enrolled for the Programme.

When companies enrol through the program, they go through assessment (gender equality assessment), on where they stand in terms of gender equality.

Within a minimum of six months period, the company is assessed on where they stand, depending on their action plan.

Bronze, silver and gold seals are awarded to the companies where 50-59 per cent is the standard for a bronze seal.

Silver seal represents 70 -79 per cent, while 80 per cent and above is for the gold seal.

Among the areas focused on include; gender pay gap, decision making, work-life balance, women and men access to non-traditional jobs and sexual harassment among others.

The drive behind this

By 2050, Rwanda is expected to be a high-income country and upper-middle country by 2035.

Given that the population now stands at 48 and 52 per cent for men and women respectively, to achieve this goal, participation of women and men is critical.

Zephy Muhirwa, Coordinator-promoting Gender Equality and Accountability in private-sector programme said for the country to attain this, there is a need for equal participation of women and men in economic development.

"The private sector is a driver of the economy, however, looking at different sectors which are currently employing a big number of people, the majority are male-dominated sectors. The program comes in to ensure the development is sustainable by breaking the gender imbalance in such areas,” he said.

Prof Jeannette Bayisenge, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, said women play a major role not only in our national economies but also at the global level.

"It is critical that men and women benefit and contribute equally in private sector development and opportunities in the sector.  There is still room for improvement in gender equality in terms of representation of women in business,” she said.