Rwanda for the first time awarded the RS 560:2023 Gender Equality certifications, a landmark step in advancing gender equality.
The ceremony took place during a side event of the ISO General Assembly under the theme, "United for Impact: Institutionalising Equality for Lasting Change.”
The RS 560:2023 standard, titled 'Gender Equality: Requirements for Promotion, Implementation, and Accountability', provides a pioneering framework to institutionalise gender equality across public and private institutions.
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It sets clear, measurable criteria for promoting equality in leadership, recruitment, pay, and workplace practices, while ensuring accountability through certification.
Twenty-six institutions we recognised including 25 private companies and one government entity, that successfully met the certification requirements.
Sixteen organisations received Gold awards, while nine were awarded Silver, marking a significant step toward embedding gender-responsive practices nationwide.
The Gold Category includes: Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, Mata Tea Company, Nyabihu Tea Factory, I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, Gisakura Tea Company Ltd, Rutsiro Tea Factory, Divine Garments Ltd, Gatare Tea Company Ltd, the National Bank of Rwanda, Bank of Kigali, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), Sorwathe Ltd, Zipline Rwanda Ltd, Ufacco Garments Ltd, The New Times, and Rubaya Tea Factory.
The Silver Category includes: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Sofa Light Business, Ikirezi Natural Products Ltd, St. Joseph Design, Janiya Investments Ltd, Wolfram Mining and Processing Ltd (Gifurwe), Inwood Ltd, and Aubin Produce International.
Raymond Murenzi, Director General of RSB, emphasised the importance of the standard. "By institutionalising gender equality in both the public and private sectors, the standard helps create inclusive, equitable, and supportive environments where employees can thrive,” he said.
Murenzi noted that RS 560:2023 builds on Rwanda’s Gender Equality Seal Programme and was officially published in the Official Gazette of Rwanda in 2023.
RSB collaborated with national and international stakeholders through the Gender Responsive Standards Initiative (GRSI), alongside ministries including MIGEPROF, MINICOM, MIFOTRA, and institutions such as GMO, UNDP, UN Women, and PSF.
Murenzi explained that the certification scheme aligns with international standards (ISO IEC 17021-1), with 16 organisations receiving Gold and nine receiving Silver awards.
"Certified companies are the shining stars that will enable the much-needed transformation in the journey towards gender equality certification,” he added.
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RSB plans to offer conformity assessment services and aims to have the scheme accredited by 2026, with ambitions to encourage adoption across Africa and globally.
Nana T. Chunbuah, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Rwanda, noted that women hold 63.3 per cent of parliamentary seats, the highest globally, and gender considerations are embedded in Rwanda’s legal and policy frameworks.
"The launch of RS 560:2023 is a natural and strategic extension of Rwanda’s commitment to equality,” she said.
Chunbuah added that UNDP has supported the Gender Equality Certification Programme since 2018, whose benchmarks were integrated into the new national standard, making Rwanda the first African country to institutionalise gender equality through standardisation.
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To date, 39 private companies and four public institutions have been certified, and more than 50 organisations have participated in audits and capacity-building programmes.
"Today, 24 companies and one public institution have successfully undergone rigorous audits and will be certified and awarded,” she said.
Chunbuah emphasised that RS 560:2023 is not just a technical instrument but a transformative tool for social and economic change, aligning with SDG 5 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
According to Chief Gender Monitor Nadine Gatsinzi Umutoni, the standard offers a concrete, measurable tool to track how institutions translate gender commitments into results.
"Certification should not be regarded as a final milestone but as the beginning of a deeper journey, catalysing continued action, learning, and accountability,” she said.
Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Consolee Uwimana described RS 560 as a living testament to how policy, practice, and partnership can accelerate and sustain gender equality achievements.
"RS 560 translates Rwanda’s gender equality aspirations into measurable and accountable actions, ensuring that gender equality moves from policy to practice, from commitment to implementation within every institution.”
"Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to continue working hand in hand, public institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to ensure that RS 560:2023 becomes a living example of transformation in action,” she added.