The Gender Monitoring Office and the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion have on Friday, June 02, 2023, received a delegation from Djibouti in a study visit on an overview of gender equality and women empowerment in Rwanda; strengthening women's participation and representation in politics, governance processes and economic activities starting at grassroots to the national level; as well as a national system of women's councils and its role in women's participation in politics, governance processes and economic activities.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Solidarity organized the visit led by Fatouma Moussa Abdi Secretary General of the National Union of Women in Djibouti.

The delegation was received by the Deputy Chief Gender Monitor of the Gender Monitoring Office Mr HABIYAREMYE RURIHOSE Florien together with UFASHINGABO Patrick, the Advisor to the Hon. Minister of Gender and Family Promotion.

As highlighted during the discussions, Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Rwanda are built on the liberal ideology of inclusiveness and non-discrimination. The development of a gender-responsive Constitution set the stage for a continuous transformation of the country's gender equality ecosystem.

The laws and policies have been consistently revised, new policies established and innovative mechanisms put in place to ensure a sustained and transformational change where men and women in Rwanda enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

"Gender equality was set as a fundamental principle of good governance of the country, "said Deputy Chief Gender, Rurihose Florien in his welcome remarks.

The delegation briefly explained Gender Budget Statement (GBS) as a tool for accountability. Its objectives and rationale. The Government of Rwanda initiated the Gender Responsive Budgeting Program (GRB) in 2013 aimed at narrowing the gender gaps through budget allocation and spending across Districts and sectors to be able to respond to the needs of women and men, girls and boys equitably.

"We congratulate Rwanda for the achievements and we believe such exchanges will continue and we learnt a lot, this is our time to increase the promotion of gender accountability in our country, "said Mrs. Fatouma Moussa Abdi Secretary General of the National Union of Women in Djibouti and head of delegation.