Kigali, Rwanda on 08 October 2025, A major milestone in promoting inclusive and accountable workplaces has been achieved as Rwanda officially launched the Gender Equality Certification Scheme, a transformative initiative designed to institutionalize gender-responsive practices across all sectors.
The launch event brought together key national and international leaders, including Hon. UWIMANA Consolée, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion; Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine, Chief Gender Monitor; Raymond Murenzi, Director General of the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), Ms Nana T. Chunbuah, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Dr. Sung Hwan Cho, President of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

A New Chapter for Gender Accountability
In his opening remarks, Dr. Raymond Murenzi, Director General of RSB, highlighted the country’s leadership in embedding gender equality within institutional frameworks.
“By institutionalizing gender equality through the RS 560:2023 Standard, Rwanda sets a model for inclusive and accountable workplaces where everyone can thrive,” he said.

Murenzi Raymond , Director General of Rwanda Standard Board 
The RS 560:2023 Gender Equality Standard developed by the Rwanda Standards Board in collaboration with Gender Monitoring Office, Private Sector Federation in support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Rwanda) provides a measurable and certifiable system that ensures organizations adopt fair, inclusive, and gender-balanced practices in their daily operations.
 

Turning Commitments into Measurable Impact
Speaking at the launch, Chief Gender Monitor Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine emphasized the national and continental importance of the standard: “RS 560 marks a transformative step for Rwanda and Africaa measurable tool turning gender commitments into real impact. It reinforces our national vision of inclusive development, where gender equality is not an aspiration but a standard of practice.”

Umutoni Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine, Chief Gender Monitor of the Gender Monitoring Office 

Recognizing Champions of Equality
During the ceremony, 25 organizations were recognized and awarded under the RS 560 Standard for their achievements in promoting gender equality and accountability at the workplace.
•Gold Gender Standard: 15 private companies and one public institution which is National Bank of Rwanda received the highest certification for their exceptional commitment to gender-responsive policies and leadership. Among the awardees were EQUITY BANK RWANDA PLC, I&M BANK RWANDA PLC, MATA TEA COMPANY, AND NYABIHU TEA FACTORY, 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, UFACO GARMENTS, THE NEW TIMES, RUBAYA TEA FACTORY.

 16 Private companies and one Public Institution certified with Gold Gender Standard for their tremendous achievements in promoting gender accountability at the workplace.

•Silver Gender Standard: 9 organizations were acknowledged for their progress in creating inclusive and supportive work environments. These included MARRIOTT HOTEL, FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON KIGALI, SOFA LIGHT BUSINESS, IKIREZI NATURAL PRODUCTS, ST. JOSEPH DESIGN, JANIYA INVESTMENT LTD,WOLFRAM MINING AND PROCESSING Ltd/GIFURWE, INWOOD LTD, AND AUBIN PRODUCE INTERNATIONAL LTD

Nine companies recognized with Silver Gender Standard for promoting gender accountability at workplace. 

A Global Benchmark for Gender-Responsive Standards
Hon. UWIMANA Consolée, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to making gender equality a measurable and sustainable reality “We’re positioning RS 560:2023 as a global benchmark for gender-responsive standards that uplift societies and promote sustainable growth. Let’s strengthen collaboration and accountability to make gender equality a lived reality.”

Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Ms. Uwimana Consolée

Building a Future of Inclusion and Progress
The Gender Equality Certification Scheme marks Rwanda’s continued leadership in advancing gender accountability, institutional performance, and inclusive development. The recognized companies now serve as role models for others, demonstrating that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of innovation, productivity, and national progress.
Congratulations to all 25 awardees for setting a powerful example in fostering workplaces where everyone women and men alike can thrive. Together, Rwanda continues to prove that inclusion drives sustainable growth and shared prosperity.