This morning, stakeholders from across the public and private sectors came together for a significant milestone in Rwanda’s gender equality journey. Hosted at the Rwanda Standards Board, the high-level dialogue brought together the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), UNDP Rwanda, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), UN Women, the Private Sector Federation (PSF), and leaders from various institutions to reflect on the achievements of the Gender Equality Seal Programme and to officially introduce RS 560:2023, Rwanda’s first national standard on gender equality, and the first of its kind in Africa.

Developed through a strong partnership between RSB, GMO, UNDP, UN WOMEN, PSF, and other key actors, RS 560:2023 sets clear requirements for promoting, implementing, and ensuring accountability in gender equality within institutions. More than a certification framework, RS 560:2023 serves as a strategic tool for inclusive development, guiding how organizations operate, govern, and deliver on equality commitments.

As Hon. Minister Uwimana Consolee, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion and the guest of honor at the event, emphasized:

“Gender equality is deeply rooted in Rwanda’s liberation ideology, which promoted equal rights for all. This vision continues through our revised National Gender Policy and the National Strategy for Transformation. To truly build an inclusive nation, we must go beyond surface-level efforts and address the root causes of inequality, such as unequal pay, unpaid care work, and harmful stereotypes. RS 560:2023 is more than a technical tool, it is a driver of sustainable change, helping institutions promote fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all.”

RS 560:2023 provides a measurable and accountable framework for realizing this vision. It marks a shift from a voluntary certification model to a scalable national accountability system. As Nadine Umutoni, Chief Gender Monitor, noted during the dialogue:

“This is how we make gender equality a core development principle, not just a program.”

The standard offers institutions practical guidance to integrate gender considerations into recruitment, budgeting, leadership, service delivery, and internal policies. It aligns with global best practices and enhances the credibility and competitiveness of certified entities—opening doors to both local and international markets.

Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative, reflected on the broader development impact:

“We see this standard not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for deeper transformation, a tool that supports organizations in translating gender commitments into measurable, certifiable action.”

Murenzi Raymond, Director General of the Rwanda Standards Board, emphasized the broader national and economic implications:

“RS 560:2023 is a strategic milestone in our collective journey to embed gender equality into organizational culture. It strengthens Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive governance, enhances business credibility, and opens doors to global markets.”

This certification system builds on the foundation laid by the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme, which has inspired inclusive practices across sectors since 2018. As of today, 39 private and public institutions, 7 SMEs are certified under Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme. The goal is to reach even more, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that shape local economies and workplace culture at scale.

From a development perspective, RS 560:2023 responds to the growing demand for inclusive governance, gender-responsive public services, and responsible business practices. It directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), reinforcing Rwanda’s leadership as a pioneer in gender innovation.

As the country prepares for the upcoming International Standards organisation (ISO) General Assembly to take place in Kigali in October 2025, the launch of RS 560:2023 sends a strong signal: Rwanda is not only ready to meet international standards, it is shaping them. And in doing so, it offers a model that other nations across the continent can follow.

Today’s dialogue was a reaffirmation of Rwanda’s belief that gender equality is about building stronger institutions, smarter economies, and a more inclusive future for all.