On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance accountability for gender equality and improve gender-based violence service delivery in Rwanda. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen gender data management through the Gender Management Information System (GMIS) and emphasize evidence-based approaches to promote gender equality and combat GBV.
The signed MoU aimed to aim to strengthen gender data management through the Gender Management Information System (GMIS) and emphasize the need for evidence-based approaches to promote gender equality and combat GBV in Rwanda.

The signing of this MoU took place at the Gender Monitoring Office head office

The collaboration includes the establishment of an Embedded Evidence Lab within the GMO, supported by IPA Rwanda. This lab will focus on enhancing gender data infrastructure and building capacity for data-driven policymaking within GMO and its partner agencies. 
“We are pleased to partner with IPA. We hope to achieve more by making decisions based on evidence and promoting a culture of a data-driven approach in enhancing accountability to gender equality,” said Chief Gender Monitor Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine during the signing of MoU

The Chief Gender Monitor, Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine, emphasized on the partnering with IPA

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance gender equality and improve GBV service delivery. By strengthening data systems and embracing evidence-based approaches, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that policies are responsive to the needs of all Rwandans,” emphasized Mr. Havugimana Cassien, Deputy Country Director of IPA  Rwanda and Uganda.

Deputy Country Director of IPA Rwanda and Uganda Mr. Havugimana Cassien 

This MoU aligns with Rwanda's broader commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment, as outlined in national strategies and policies. The partnership between GMO and IPA is expected to contribute significantly to the country's efforts in promoting gender equality and improving services for GBV survivors.

About IPA 
Innovation for Poverty Action is a nonprofit corporation that conducts research to inform policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of people living in poverty. IPA brings expertise in designing and conducting impact evaluations, capacity building, and evidence generation to support gender-sensitive policies and interventions.
IPA Rwanda opened an office in Kigali in 2013 and has partnered with the Rwandan government, academic institutions, and several private sector partners to generate evidence in agriculture, education, financial inclusion, health, and social protection. We have supported the use of data in public policy. With our partners, IPA Rwanda founded the Rwanda Embedded Lab to support evidence-driven education policy.
About GMO 
The Government of Rwanda established the Gender Monitoring Office through the Constitution of 2023, with a mandate to monitor the respect of Gender Equality principles, promote gender accountability at all levels and fight against Gender-Based Violence and related injustices.
Affiliated to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Gender Monitoring Office is established by the law No 51/2007 0f 20/09/2007 which determines its responsibilities, organization and functioning.