The decision by the Rwanda Water Resources Board to require at least 30 per cent of workers in major water resources projects be women is both timely and strategic. It is not simply a matter of fairness but a sound development policy grounded in evidence and experience. For decades, women have been at the centre of water use, particularly in rural communities where they shoulder the burden of water collection and household management, yet they have remained underrepresented in decision-making and technical roles in sectors such as irrigation, hydropower, and water infrastructure. Correcting this imbalance is long overdue. ALSO READ: Muvumba multipurpose dam under construction Evidence already emerging from ongoing projects strengthens the case. Women make up 57 per cent of the workforce across major initiatives like the Muvumba and Congo-Nile projects, proving that when given the opportunity, they participate actively and meaningfully. Formalising a minimum threshold ensures that this progress is not incidental, but institutionalised. Beyond equity, inclusion improves outcomes. Diverse teams make better decisions, design more responsive systems, and build stronger community ownership. In water resource management, where sustainability depends on how communities use and protect resources, this inclusivity is critical. ALSO READ: Nyabarongo II dam construction prompts relocation of 3,000 people This move also fits within a broader national track record of advancing gender equality. The country consistently ranks among the top performers globally in gender parity, with women holding a majority in Parliament and playing visible roles across governance, business, and public service. Policies such as gender-responsive budgeting and targeted empowerment programmes have helped extend these gains into sectors like agriculture, finance, and technology. ALSO READ: Major multipurpose dams set to ease water shortages by 2030 What stands out is the shift from policy to practice. The 30 per cent quota in water projects is another example of translating commitments into measurable action—embedding gender equality in planning, budgeting, and implementation. Ultimately, this policy recognises a simple truth: development cannot be inclusive if half the population is left behind. Ensuring women are part of building and managing critical water infrastructure strengthens not only equality, but also the resilience and sustainability of development outcomes.
