The New Times has been awarded the Gold Gender Equality Certification, a recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive work environment across its editorial, administrative, and operational structures. ALSO READ: New Times reporters win development journalism awards The award was presented to the publication's management on Wednesday, October 8, by Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) on the margins of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Annual Meeting at Kigali Convention Centre, where 25 companies and public institutions were honoured. Sixteen entities, including one public institution, received gold, while nine received silver. The 25 awardees effectively became the pioneers of the RSB's Gender Equality Certification Scheme, which was launched at the same event on Wednesday evening. The certification is given to institutions that demonstrate excellence in promoting, implementing, and sustaining gender-balanced practices. The awardees in the Gold Category are 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, National Bank of Rwanda, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), Sorwathe Ltd, Zipline Rwanda Ltd, Ufaco Garments Ltd and Rubaya Tea Factory. The awardees in the Silver Category are 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. ALSO READ: Rwanda unveils biodiversity strategy as ISO launches first global standard to ‘end war against nature’ “I am happy that we have been recognized for our efforts to make The New Times a fair and inclusive workplace, said Glory Iribagiza, the Gender Editor and Gender Advisor at the media house. I look forward to the time when these are the norms for any workplace in the country and no one has to be rewarded because the norms are always guaranteed. The recognition comes just over a year after The New Times was awarded the Gold Gender Equality Seal by the Gender Monitoring Office. RSB has since taken up the responsibility to assess and certify public and private entities on the gender equality standard. ALSO READ: Standardisation key for trade, equitable development, says PM Nsengiyumva New standard for gender equality The Gender Equality Certification Scheme was developed through a partnership between the RSB, the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women and the Private Sector Federation (PSF). The scheme provides measurable criteria and guidance for organizations to promote gender equality in their structures, policies, and practices. It sets benchmarks for fair recruitment, leadership representation, equal pay, and gender-responsive workplace systems, ensuring accountability through periodic certification. “By institutionalizing gender equality through the RS 560:2023 Standard, Rwanda sets a model for inclusive and accountable workplaces where everyone can thrive,” said Raymond Murenzi, RSB Director General. “The scheme launched today is a tool for sustainability, and awarding the first organizations certified against that standard is the apex step that is well appreciated.” ALSO READ: Optimism for Rwandan business growth as govt slashes standardisation fees Lovetta Sesay Fatmata, the UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, said the scheme is a clear signal that equality must be built into the very systems and standards that guide our societies. “By embedding gender equality into how institutions operate, Rwanda is showing the world that fairness and competitiveness go hand in hand, said Fatmata. This is how we move from commitment to action, delivering on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5, and ensuring that women and men have equal opportunity to contribute and innovate, and thrive. The RS 560:2023 Standard evaluates organizations on several key criteria, including recruitment and promotion practices, leadership representation, pay equity, sexual harassment prevention mechanisms, and family-friendly workplace policies. Entities that achieve Gold status must demonstrate not only compliance but proactive leadership in gender mainstreaming and continuous improvement. The RS 560:2023 Standard is expected to motivate more organizations to institutionalize gender equality as a driver of innovation, productivity, and social cohesion.
