Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) officials alongside partners like the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), UN Women Rwanda have called for greater inclusivity in the financial sector, urging more women to take up roles as financial decision-makers.

While women have made steps forward with some even setting remarkable examples locally and internationally, barriers such as the "pay gap, limited leadership opportunities, and structural stereotypes” continue to hinder progress.

Through the symbolic ‘Ring the Bell’ ceremony, RSE on March 7, joined global partners including UN Women Rwanda in highlighting the private sector’s crucial role in closing the gender gap and advancing gender equality as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

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Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba, the CEO of RSE noted that "gender equality is not just a moral imperative but also an economic and social necessity because evidence suggests that diverse leadership in businesses leads to more success, empowered women’s communities are more substantial, and equal societies are more stable and progressing.”

It is worth noting that Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), particularly in political participation, leadership and other sectors.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Rwanda together with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa such as Namibia and South Africa, along with 13 other countries, have closed more than 70 per cent of the overall gender gap, the sixth- highest among the eight regions at 68.2 per cent, ranking above Southern Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

"This is the evidence to the progress the country has made, an example of hope that with collective effort, we can achieve gender equality. But we must do more to ensure no one is left behind,” he noted.

Rwabukumba emphasised that capital markets play a key role in mobilising long-term savings for economic growth. Therefore, there is also a need for financial markets to drive inclusivity by ensuring equal pay, diverse leadership, and fair recruitment. This can be achieved through gender-neutral hiring, transparent pay structures, and mentorship programs.

"Today, when this bell rings, let it ring in boardrooms, institutions, schools, and communities. Let it stand for not just hope but action that makes gender equality not a future aspiration but a living and present reality,” he said.

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Tikikel Tadele Alemu, the Program Management Specialist, UN Women Rwanda Country Office noted that there are several success stories Rwanda has registered that tell on progress in women’s socio-economic empowerment, particularly in education and formal employment, as well as governance spheres, both of which are contributing to close to gender gaps.

A good example is Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye, the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), who made history as the first woman to hold this position following her appointment on February 25, 2025. RSA honored her with the ‘Woman Achievers in Finance Award 2025’, reinforcing her role as a trailblazer and an inspiration to others in the finance sector.

However, as the percentage of financially included women has risen to 92 per cent, Tadele argues that enhancing women’s economic empowerment goes beyond merely including them in financial systems.

"It involves enhancing their ability to manage finances, encouraging savings, particularly among young girls and rural women where we observe persisting gaps,” she said.

Tikikel highlighted that in Rwanda, 11 per cent of tender bids are won by women owned businesses representing 4 per cent of the monetary value which significantly show a gender gap in service delivery and women’s access to economic opportunities.

"This is why we need to intentionally advance gender responsive procurement policies and practices,” she added.

Mireille Batamuliza, the Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) commended Rwanda’s progress in gender equality especially in various positions, however more efforts are still needed to challenge all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation especially at workplaces to advance women’s and girls’ rights.

"We need to revisit certain legal policies and systems that hinder both boys and girls due to gender gaps. Men in various sectors should welcome women into these positions and provide them with access and promotions—not because of their gender, but because they are capable,” she noted

"Invest in gender transformative approaches dismantling patriarchy, engaging men and promoting gender equality such as gender seal programmes. Let us unite to economically empower women and girls to access employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all,” she added.