A wave of targeted initiatives, from school-based investment clubs to tailored financial inclusion programmes is opening new pathways for young women to engage in capital markets, as stakeholders intensify efforts to bridge the gender gap in investing.

These interventions are gradually expanding access to investment opportunities and encouraging more women to step into roles as investors, stockbrokers and financial intermediaries, even as challenges persist.

Pierre-Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), said the institution is taking deliberate steps to close the gender gap in financial markets.

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"Our stockbrokers and staff continue to grow year by year. Today, women make up 50 percent of the team, and we are increasingly seeing more women as investors, share intermediaries and in other related roles,” he said.

Rwabukumba noted that the Exchange is also investing in financial literacy for young women. Recently, RSE engaged students at Gashora Girls School through investment clubs, providing them with seed capital of Rwf2 million to support their entry into the stock market.

The programme is expected to expand to other schools over time.

"Although participation of young women is still low, it is gradually increasing. These programmes aim to empower them to actively participate in financial markets and build a culture of saving and sharing ownership,” he said.

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He emphasised that promoting women’s participation in finance is not only about inclusion, but also about national development.

"Through continuous engagement, we equip them with knowledge and encourage them to participate just like men. Supporting women is synonymous with supporting national development,” he added.

Keilla Gasana, a member of the investment club at Gashora Girls School, said the initiative is equipping students with practical financial skills.

"Being part of the investment club has taught us how to manage money, understand stocks and make small investments, even with modest amounts,” she said.

"It’s giving us confidence to plan for our financial future. We usually save small amounts from our pocket money, but the seed capital allows us to put our lessons into practice.”

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She added that the experience is helping students build teamwork, critical thinking and long-term planning skills, while exposing them to opportunities they had not previously considered.

Hortense Mudenge, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), said achieving gender equality in finance requires deliberate and sustained action.

"Gender equality in the financial sector is about access and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to benefit from financial systems,” she said.

Mudenge highlighted initiatives such as the Gender Seal, which encourages institutions to integrate gender equality into their policies and operations, alongside broader financial inclusion programmes led by the National Bank of Rwanda and partners targeting underserved groups.

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"We are seeing strong performance among women, particularly in credit and repayment. Women’s repayment rates exceed 60 percent, significantly higher than men’s, demonstrating their reliability,” she said.

She also pointed to growing participation of women in technology and STEM-related fields, with more young female entrepreneurs taking leadership roles in emerging sectors. She called for expanded platforms to connect women with investors and markets.

"By empowering women and giving them platforms, we create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire ecosystem,” she added.

At the policy level, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) says structural barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in the economy.

Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, noted that while more women are engaging in business and financial activities, many remain concentrated in small-scale enterprises, reflected in lower levels of bank deposits compared to men.

"Women should strive for financial independence by building their skills, pursuing education and strengthening their ability to manage and utilise money effectively,” she said.

She urged women to explore higher-income sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as transport and mining, and to take advantage of tailored financial products offered by institutions, including loans at relatively lower interest rates.

"Many of these opportunities remain underutilised due to limited awareness. We encourage women to approach financial institutions and benefit from these schemes,” she said.

Stakeholders say sustained investment in financial education, tailored products and inclusive policies will be key to ensuring more women not only participate, but thrive in the financial sector.