Seven Private Companies Awarded Gender Equality Seal Certificate

Elias Hakizimana May 12, 2024May 12, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

Seven private companies in Rwanda have been honored with the Gender Equality Seal (GES) certification for their significant contributions to advancing gender equality in the workplace.

Hosted by the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) on May 10, 2024, the ceremony aimed to spotlight the private sector’s role in promoting and advancing gender equality.

The initiative to recognize exemplary companies in promoting gender equality in the workplace also seeks to inspire more companies to prioritize gender-responsive policies and initiatives.

The GMO stated that this recognition is bestowed upon institutions demonstrating a steadfast commitment to gender equality through their policies, practices, and organizational culture.

The honored companies, including Kitabi Tea Company, Rwanda Inter-link Transport Company (Ritco), The New Times, Vivo Energy Rwanda, Akagera Coffee Project, Masaka Farms, and Rwanda Development Board as the sole public institution on the list, were bestowed with a gold seal—the highest accolade offered in Rwanda—for their exceptional efforts in promoting gender accountability and fostering gender-responsive work environments.

Organizations receiving the silver seal implemented gender policies up to 70 percent in their workspace include Nyamurinda Coffee Growers and Afri-Foods.

Three other companies—1000 Hills Products Rwanda, Tropi Wanda, and Virunga Biotech—were honored with a bronze seal.

Additionally, companies acknowledged for their efforts include ATL and Akagera Aviation, Stafford Coffee Brewers, ProxiFresh, King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, Silverback Tea Company, Wood Foundation Africa, and Aux Delices Honey.

“Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for effective and sustainable development outcomes. The United States, through USAID Rwanda, supports the Gender Equality Seal certification framework for small and medium enterprises specializing in agribusiness, production, and exports. For the first time globally, thanks to the support from the American people, this initiative deliberately targets the SME sector,” remarked Keisha Effiom, the Deputy Mission Director for USAID Rwanda.

Valentine Uwamariya, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, emphasized the alignment of the celebrated work with the nation’s commitment to accountability and inclusivity.

She underscored that promoting gender equality in the private sector is pivotal for fostering a more equitable workplace.

Uwamariya highlighted that when companies purposefully consider the needs of all genders in their policies, practices, and decision-making processes, it serves as tangible evidence of unlocking the full potential of the workforce.

Raymond Murenzi, the Director General of Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts among stakeholders in promoting and mainstreaming gender equality through standardization.

He emphasized the importance of this pillar for advancing and sustaining achievements through the development of gender equality standards and associated certification schemes.

Sakina Usengimana, CEO of Afri-foods, emphasized, “This marks a celebration, yet it’s an ongoing journey. To those who received awards today, remember, this is merely the outset. Let’s embed this ethos into the very fabric of our companies. Today, I may hold the title of General Manager, but tomorrow, that could change. The same goes for my managers. But this commitment must endure within our organizations.”

Recognizing exemplary efforts in gender accountability is a cornerstone of the Gender Equality Seal Programme.

Launched in 2017 through collaboration between the Private Sector Federation, UNDP, UN WOMEN, and USAID, the program aims to foster fair and inclusive working environments for both men and women.