The Gender Equality Seal, previously used to recognise institutions fostering gender-inclusive workplaces, has now been elevated to a national standard to drive gender-responsive practices across all sectors.

Known as RS 560:2023 Gender Equality – Requirements for Promotion, Implementation, and Accountability, this new standard was officially launched on Thursday, May 15, during a multi-stakeholder dialogue involving the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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Building on the foundation of the Gender Equality Seal Certification Program (GES) launched in 2017 with UNDP support, the standard aims to embed gender-sensitive practices into legal frameworks, policies, and workplace programmes nationwide.

Raymond Murenzi, Director General of RSB, noted that international market access increasingly depends on social certification standards.

"Products are now evaluated not just for quality but for how they were made, whether gender equality principles were respected, whether child labour was avoided, and whether environmental protection was ensured,” he said.

Murenzi added that integrating the Gender Equality Certification into RSB’s certification systems marks an important shift. "We introduced Rwanda’s first gender equality standard in 2023. Today, Rwandan products can get this certification and access more international markets.”

Murenzi clarified that certification is free, thanks to government subsidies, with only large industries paying a fee of Rwf100,000.

Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, said the Gender Equality Seal programme promotes gender-friendly workplaces, with 30 of 50 registered companies already certified.

She noted Rwanda’s milestone in 2023 as the first African country to publish national gender equality standards.

"These standards are more than technical tools, they guide institutions to promote equal access to opportunities and resources for both women and men,” Uwimana explained.

"Revise your internal policies, programmes, and practices. Ask yourselves: Are we being fair to everyone? Do we give both women and men a voice and a chance? Do our systems challenge stereotypes and promote shared responsibility?”

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RS 560 provides a clear framework for assessing how organisational practices affect men and women, ensuring gender is considered in all stages, from design to evaluation of policies and operations, according to Nadine Gatsinzi Umutoni, Gender Monitoring Officer at GMO.

Organisations are assessed and awarded certification at gold, silver, or bronze levels based on their performance.

Umutoni added, "Although the programme has been in place for over five years, this year marks a transition. It is now fully managed by RSB.”

She gave practical examples of impact: "REG created a dedicated breastfeeding room for mothers and supports those who prefer to go home and breastfeed. The New Times has increased the number of women in its workforce and board, and some organisations have even set up Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres at their workplaces.”

Umutoni emphasised that strong leadership commitment is essential for implementation.

Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, acknowledged the challenges businesses face when aligning gender equity with profit-making goals.

"We know the private sector is always about making money, but making money without feeling the impact, not only in terms of profit but in the lives of your clients and customers is important. It is a real signal that gender equality matters and that it is a commitment to responsible business accountability,” she said.

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She stressed that inclusive workplaces enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience.

Sesay also reaffirmed UNDP’s support to expand RS 560 across the continent. "We want to take this beyond Rwanda to Africa, because eventually, this should become an international standard.”

Samuel Bashayija, Human Resource Officer at Janiya Investment Ltd, said the standard is already reshaping business practices.

"When we started this journey, we were advised to adopt more inclusive practices. Since our sector typically employs many women, we made a deliberate effort to recruit more men. We’re also planning to train men in tailoring to encourage their participation. This certification will help us access international markets.”