Rwanda Women Magazine Magazine

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Sunday, November 16, 2025

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Rwanda Women Magazine

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- Gender Equallity
  A Clear Vision of Excellence: Eva Optical Shop Shines as Rwanda’s Optical Shop of the Year
  
  Empowerment
  Sudanese women call for urgent protection amid escalating conflict.
  
  News
  Reflecting 30 years of Women’s Role, Strength, and Resilience
  
  Health
  First Lady condoles with Namibians after death of President Geingob
RWIBAC
RDIA
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Bride & Groom Expo 2025

Rwanda Women Magazine

DowntownMagazine PRO

Home

About us
Contact us

Home
News
- Gender Equallity
  A Clear Vision of Excellence: Eva Optical Shop Shines as Rwanda’s Optical Shop of the Year
  
  Empowerment
  Sudanese women call for urgent protection amid escalating conflict.
  
  News
  Reflecting 30 years of Women’s Role, Strength, and Resilience
  
  Health
  First Lady condoles with Namibians after death of President Geingob
RWIBAC
RDIA
Issues
Bride & Groom Expo 2025

3rd Gender Equality Seal (GES) Celebrates Public and Private Sector companies

Gender Equallity
Leisure

WAKIBI Geoffrey

October 6, 2024

Following their involvement in the recently concluded Gender Equality Seal Certification program that was organized and implemented by the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) and the Private Sector Federation in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Program for Promotion of gender equality and women empowerment (UN Wo men) and USAID two project funded by USAID Feed the Future Kungahara wagura Amasoko and USAID Feed the Future Hanga Akazi, eleven private companies, and one public institution scooped awards of gold, silver, and bronze from the Gender Equality Seal.

This was the third GES event where institutions were awarded for their exceptional commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace.

“Their dedication showcases the worth of gender equality as both a moral practice and a tool for business success. We look at a future with more inclusive and reasonable workplaces for the public and private sectors” said Chief Gender Monitor Ms Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine during her speech at the event. The uniqueness of this third cohort is that it included even SMEs who were not given an opportunity in the 1^st and 2^nd.

The awards are an initiative that supports private sector companies in promoting gender equality and accountability through their businesses, procedures, and processes.

The New Times, Vivo Energy Rwanda, Kitabi Tea Company, Rwanda Inter-link Transport Company Ltd (RITCO), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Akagera Coffee Project, and Masaka Farm received golden awards.

Nyamurinda Coffee Growers and Afri-Foods Ltd got silver awards the third certified category was Bronze which was awarded to 000 Hills Products Rwanda, Tropi Wanda, and Virunga Biotech.

These companies and institutions were acknowledged for the establishment of breastfeeding rooms at the workplace, increasing the number of females in male-dominated jobs, establishing gender and mainstreaming committees, establishing gender equality and accountability police, and increasing the number of females in decision-making positions as a key performance indicator (KPIs). Companies were also celebrated for starting childcare facilities, setting in place sexual harassment policies, and reducing gender pay gaps.

Eight private companies were also recognized and given certificates for their commitment and progress in promoting gender accountability. These included Aviation Travel and Logistics Ltd, Stafford Coffee Breweries, King Faysal Hospital, Silverback Tea Company Ltd, The Wood Foundation Africa, Aux Delices Honey Ltd and Proxi Fresh Rwanda Ltd.

During the program, all participating companies and public institutions went through gender self-assessments, developed their action plans, and started implementing them to address identified gender gaps.

About the Gender Equality Seal Certification Program

Gender Equality Seal (GES) is a program that was established in 2017, and implemented by GMO in collaboration with PSF with support from UNDP and UN Women. Its objective is to eradicate gender inequalities in the workplace and businesses while improving the well-being of all employees and their families.

It is a corporate standard for gender equality that organizations can qualify for and be benchmarked against to receive certification following their best practices on gender equality inside an organization. Rwanda was the first country in Africa to implement this innovative initiative. It is also the first country to certify private companies that have promoted gender equality and accountability.

The implementation of the Gender Equality Seal Certification Program in Rwanda has led to significant achievements such as changes in internal policies for a more gender-friendly work environment, integration of a gender lens in the way of doing business, specific actions to unlock the power of choice for women, internal promotion for women and increased number of women in the company managerial positions, diversification of the workforce and increased participation of women in male-dominated jobs, implementation of women’s wellness centers including for nursing mothers that can now breastfeed their babies, women enjoying equal pay for similar services and creation of a gender-friendly environment where women are empowered, supported, and encouraged to pursue their fullest capabilities.

AEE RWANDA: 30 years in Gender Equality interventions and impact

Agriculture
Economy
Education
Empowerment
Featured

WAKIBI Geoffrey

October 5, 2024

AEE RWANDA: 30 years in Gender Equality interventions and impact

BACKGROUND OF AEE RWANDA

AEE Rwanda is one of the leading local, Christian non-governmental organizations in Rwanda. Our mission is to foster the holistic transformation of the most vulnerable through sustainable and innovative programs that address the root causes of poverty and rights violations.

AEE Rwanda started its operations in 1984 and was legally registered in 1987 with a team of seven staff. During the 1994 genocide, AEE’s operations were curtailed by the death of 3 staff members and loss of property. Later that year, AEE was reconstituted with a new team and embarked on emergency relief, peace, and reconciliation programs. AEE has since grown to include longer-term development programs enabling the communities to overcome poverty and other confounding factors.

Our uniqueness

Focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized

AEE works with children and other disadvantaged groups in resource-limited areas. By undertaking participatory situation analyses, our programs respond to the needs and interests of communities and national priorities.

Strong national presence

We operate in 29 out of the 30 districts in the country and have 17 field offices. 80% of our staff reside in the communities where they work. Our staff understand the local languages and contexts. Thus, we can mobilize communities, implement projects, and provide timely responses.

Introduction

Over the past 30 years, AEE Rwanda has made significant strides in advancing the rights and opportunities of women and Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). Through targeted interventions and innovative approaches, the organization has addressed critical issues and supported national development goals. As Rwanda continues to pursue its vision for the future, AEE Rwanda’s ongoing efforts will remain vital in pushing the country’s vision for women and girls as well as in fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.

Interventions in Women’s Empowerment

Social Empowerment: AEE Rwanda has implemented community-based programs aimed at increasing women’s social capital and leadership skills. Workshops and training sessions have focused on building self-esteem, leadership, and advocacy skills among women. Through these initiatives, over 20,000 women have taken up leadership roles in their communities, contributing to social cohesion and community development.

Economic Empowerment: AEE Rwanda’s economic empowerment programs have been transformative. The establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) has enabled over 100,000 women to gain access to financial resources, fostering entrepreneurship and economic independence. Additionally, vocational training programs have equipped women with skills in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, and agribusiness, leading to increased income and economic stability.

Governance and Participation in Decision-Making: AEE Rwanda has actively promoted women’s participation in governance. Through training and mentorship programs, women have been encouraged to run for local and national leadership positions. Today, many women who participated in these programs hold significant decision-making roles, contributing to more inclusive governance structures.

Family Promotion and Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Addressing GBV has been a critical component of AEE Rwanda’s work. Through awareness campaigns, counseling services, and community dialogues, AEE Rwanda has helped reduce the incidence of GBV. Family promotion programs have also focused on strengthening family units and promoting positive parenting practices.

Interventions in AGYW: Addressing Teen Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy has long been a challenge in Rwanda, significantly impacting the educational and economic futures of young women. AEE Rwanda has introduced a multifaceted approach to tackle this issue. Educational programs form the cornerstone of our strategy, offering sexual and reproductive health education that provides accurate information to prevent early pregnancies. This education is integrated into school curriculums and community outreach efforts to ensure widespread impact.

Additionally, AEE Rwanda supports teenage mothers through dedicated programs that offer counseling, mentorship, and skills training. AEE Rwanda’s comprehensive approach has led to a 20% reduction in teen pregnancy rates in targeted regions. Moreover, over 70% of teenage mothers who received support have successfully returned to school or engaged in vocational training, showcasing the effectiveness of these interventions.

These initiatives help young mothers reintegrate into the educational system or pursue vocational training, facilitating their return to normalcy and future success. Community outreach efforts, in partnership with local leaders and healthcare providers, have strengthened support networks, addressing the stigma associated with teen pregnancy and fostering a supportive environment for young mothers.

Interventions in Education

Interventions in ECD

AEE Rwanda has made significant strides in improving educational opportunities for girls through a range of targeted interventions. Our focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) has been instrumental in laying a solid foundation for young learners. By establishing numerous ECD centers across the country, AEE Rwanda has provided essential early education and care to thousands of children. These centers have not only facilitated early cognitive and social development but also enabled many women to enter or re-enter the workforce, contributing to family economic stability. For instance, over the past decade, AEE Rwanda has established 150 ECD centers, benefiting more than 25,000 children, with a notable increase in early school readiness among girls. This foundational support has set the stage for continued educational success as these children progress through the education system.

In addition to ECD initiatives, AEE Rwanda has also concentrated on enhancing access to education at the primary and secondary levels. The organization’s interventions include providing scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship programs specifically aimed at girls. These efforts have resulted in tangible improvements in academic performance and retention rates. For example, scholarships have supported over 5,000 girls annually, alleviating financial barriers and encouraging school attendance. School supplies and mentorship programs have further bolstered academic achievements, with school retention rates for girls increasing by 20% in the regions served by AEE Rwanda. These interventions have collectively contributed to closing the gender gap in education and empowering girls to achieve their full potential, thereby fostering greater gender equality and community development.

Emphasizing TVET

Education is a cornerstone of AEE Rwanda’s mission to empower women and AGYW. The organization has placed a strong emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a means to enhance educational opportunities and employability. TVET programs are designed to provide practical skills and hands-on training in various trades and professions, equipping women and AGYW with the skills needed for the job market. AEE Rwanda’s TVET initiatives include partnerships with local technical schools and vocational centers to offer training in areas such as tailoring, carpentry, and electrical work. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of local economies and provide women and AGYW with relevant skills that lead to gainful employment or self-employment.

AEE Rwanda’s TVET programs have resulted in a significant increase in job placement rates for graduates, with over 60% securing employment or starting their businesses. Furthermore, the organization’s educational support has led to a 35% increase in female student enrollment in secondary and higher education institutions, along with a 25% rise in academic performance. In addition to TVET, AEE Rwanda provides scholarships and financial support to young girls and women, ensuring they can pursue education at various levels without financial barriers. The organization also invests in improving school infrastructure, including constructing classrooms and providing learning materials, to create a conducive learning environment.

Interventions in Unity and Reconciliation

AEE Rwanda’s interventions in unity and reconciliation have not only fostered social cohesion but also played a crucial role in empowering women. Our comprehensive approach includes a variety of community-based programs designed to bridge divides and promote understanding among different ethnic and social groups. Over the past decade, AEE Rwanda has organized more than 150 dialogue sessions and workshops, involving over 10,000 participants in reconciliation efforts. These programs have facilitated open discussions and collective activities, which have significantly contributed to improved interpersonal relationships and a stronger sense of community. A noteworthy outcome of these efforts is the increased participation of women in local leadership roles and community decision-making processes. According to recent surveys, over 60% of women involved in these programs reported enhanced confidence and active engagement in community affairs, reflecting a positive shift towards gender inclusivity and empowerment.

Moreover, AEE Rwanda’s reconciliation initiatives have been instrumental in addressing the specific needs of women affected by conflict. Our trauma healing and conflict resolution programs, which have supported approximately 5,000 individuals, include targeted services for female survivors. These programs offer psychological counseling, support for economic independence, and training in conflict resolution skills. As a result, many women have gained the tools and confidence needed to rebuild their lives and take on leadership roles within their communities. Over 70% of women who participated in these programs have reported increased self-reliance and involvement in local governance. This empowerment is a testament to AEE Rwanda’s effective approach in not only healing societal wounds but also in advancing gender equality and enhancing the role of women in Rwanda’s ongoing reconciliation and development processes.

Interventions in Economic Empowerment: VSLA and Savings Groups

Economic empowerment is crucial for women and AGYW’s long-term success. AEE Rwanda has introduced several key initiatives to enhance economic opportunities. Among these, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and savings groups play a vital role. VSLAs provide women with access to financial services, including savings, loans, and insurance, enabling them to start and grow small businesses. Through VSLA programs, AEE Rwanda facilitates the formation of savings groups where women pool their resources, provide loans to each other, and share knowledge about financial management. These groups help women gain financial independence, improve their household income, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Furthermore, AEE Rwanda supports women’s entrepreneurship through mentorship and business development services. These initiatives help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses, access larger markets, and achieve economic stability. Over 50% of women participating in AEE Rwanda’s VSLA and savings group programs have successfully established or expanded their businesses. Participants have reported a 40% increase in household income, reflecting the substantial economic benefits of these interventions.

Interventions in Agriculture

Women farmers participating in AEE Rwanda’s agricultural programs have experienced a 30% increase in crop yields. The agricultural cooperatives established by the organization have provided stable incomes and increased market access for women farmers. Agriculture remains a vital sector in Rwanda, and AEE Rwanda has focused on empowering women in this field. The organization provides training in modern farming techniques, crop management, and sustainable agricultural practices. These training programs aim to increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of women farmers. AEE Rwanda also facilitates access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools, enhancing agricultural output and efficiency. The formation of agricultural cooperatives has enabled women to pool resources, share knowledge, and access larger markets, further supporting their economic stability.

Interventions in IT: Digital Literacy and the CHOMOKA App

In the digital age, IT education and access are crucial for women’s empowerment. AEE Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting IT education through various initiatives. The organization offers comprehensive digital literacy training to women and AGYW, equipping them with essential skills for the digital economy. Over 60% of women who participated in AEE Rwanda’s IT training programs have acquired digital skills, leading to improved job prospects and business opportunities. The tech hubs have provided over 5,000 women and AGYW with access to digital resources, while the “CHOMOKA” app has been downloaded by over 3,000 users, providing them with valuable financial and entrepreneurial tools.

AEE Rwanda has also established technology hubs that provide access to computers, internet, and tech support. These hubs enable women to learn and develop digital skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential. In addition, AEE Rwanda as an implementing partner has helped to introduce the “CHOMOKA” app, a digital platform designed to provide financial literacy, savings tools, and access to information on entrepreneurship and job opportunities.

Alignment with National Development Plans

AEE Rwanda’s gender-focused interventions throughout the years, have been strategically aligned with Rwanda’s national development strategies, such as the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) I & II, the National Strategy for Transformation (NST) I & II, and the National Gender Policy. AEE Rwanda’s initiatives include the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), which empower women economically by providing access to financial resources and literacy training. These efforts support the broader objectives of Vision 2020 and Vision 2050, which aim to transform Rwanda into a knowledge-based, middle-income country with equitable opportunities for all citizens. By promoting women’s financial independence and entrepreneurship, AEE Rwanda contributes to the national goals of poverty reduction, economic diversification, and inclusive growth.

In alignment with national policies, AEE Rwanda during the past 30 years aimed to also focus on education, health, agriculture, and family promotion to advance gender equality and empowerment. Through programs that enhance girls’ access to education, psychosocial or mental health, improve maternal and child health, and support women’s roles in agriculture; AEE Rwanda addresses critical areas identified in the National Gender Strategy. These interventions complement the objectives of NST1 & 2 by fostering an inclusive society where women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive. By integrating gender considerations into its programs.

AEE Rwanda has ensured in the past 30 years, with key stakeholders and partners that women and girls are active participants in Rwanda’s development journey, contributing to the realization of the country’s long-term visions of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Reflecting 30 years of Women’s Role, Strength, and Resilience

Featured
News
Society

WAKIBI Geoffrey

March 12, 2024

Reflecting 30 years of Women’s Role, Strength, and Resilience

At a very festive and colorful event, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame graced the celebration of the International Women’s Day 2024. The event that brought together thousands of women from different sectors across the country took place at BK Arena in Kigali city.

This year’s ceremony was held under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’. The event reflected on women’s role to national development, remarking that the progress of the country is greatly dependent on the advancement of gender equality and placing women into leadership positions.

“Rwanda women are the pillar of this nation, they have made praiseworthy contributions in the three-decade journey of rebuilding the country,” President Paul Kagame said in his remarks at the event. He further noted that more is still to be done to empower women more so that their untapped potential is boosted in order to take the country to further development.

This year’s theme requires every individual to recognize the burning need to address the obstinate challenges hindering the progress of gender equality. The economic empowerment of women remains a principal objective in the pursuit of equality between men and women.

“Women have been a cornerstone of the prosperity for Rwanda. Even in during the past situations of conflict, they were in a position to make unique contributions to peace and stability. Women deserve all the peace they require without begging for it,” President Kagame said.

Investing in a woman is much beyond on human rights imperative. It goes as far as being an economic and social sense. The theme indicates that gender equality fosters more inclusive economic growth and benefits everyone in society. “Gender equality is not a woman issue, it is everyone’s concern,” He said.

The event acts as timely reminder that sufficient Women and girls have made great gains – demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes and driving progress towards a more just and equal world.

The day was an opportunity to connect, celebrate women’s achievements, and discuss future actions!

First Lady condoles with Namibians after death of President Geingob

Health
News
Society

WAKIBI Geoffrey

February 11, 2024

First Lady condoles with Namibians after death of President Geingob

First Lady Jeannette Kagame is in Namibia to condole with the former First Lady Monica Geingos and the people of Namibia after the death of President Hage Geingob.

Geingob died on Sunday, February 4, at Lady Pohamba Hospital in the country’s capital, Windhoek, where he was receiving cancer treatment.

Flanked with her delegation, Mrs. Kagame also left a message of sympathy in the eulogy book of the late Geingob who is praised by many for being a champion of Pan-Africanism.

First Lady Jeannette Kagame condoles with the former First Lady Monica Geingos after the death of President Hage Geingob.

Following the death of President Geingob, Nangolo Mbumba, previously Vice President, was sworn in as the interim President of Namibia.

The memorial service for the 82-year-old late Namibian President is scheduled for February 23 with burial on February 25, as announced by President Mbumba.

Born in 1941, Geingob was a prominent politician before Namibia achieved independence from white minority-ruled South Africa in 1990.

He chaired the body that drafted Namibia’s constitution, then became its first prime minister at independence on March 21 of that year, a position he retained until 2002.

In 2007, Geingob became vice president of the governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), which he had joined as an agitator for independence when Namibia was still known as South West Africa.

WOMEN COFFEE: The Story of HINGA KAWAWOMEN COFFEE:

Empowerment

WAKIBI Geoffrey

February 2, 2024

WOMEN COFFEE: The Story of HINGA KAWAWOMEN COFFEE:

The Abakundakawa (“Those Who Love Coffee”) Rushashi Coffee Cooperative, located in the northern mountainous region of the district of Gakenke, is situated at an altitude of 1700-1900 meters and encompasses five distinct zones. The coffee cooperative was formed in 2004 and due to a strong women’s movement became the first Women’s Farmer Association of its kind in Rwanda.

Abakundakawa coffee cooperative is represented by two, all women associations, Hingakawa (“Let’s Grow Coffee”) and Dukundakawa. (“We love Coffee”).

The women of Hingakawa have seen one of the darkest periods of Rwandan history. Since this group includes both Hutu and Tutsi, the women made a decision to make poverty their mutual enemy rather than each other; and with this sentiment, they have been able to move forward and heal their community through their leadership.

After the coffee farms in Rwanda were left fallow for a time, several organizations assisted the farmers to be able to produce coffee once again. Hingakawa, as the name suggests (“Let’s Grow Coffee”), is more of a chant than it is a mere statement.

It is a resolution to fight an epidemic that has crippled and claimed lives of numerous households: Poverty. These women have had enough and have come together to yell out loud “LET’S GROW COFFEE” together and reclaim our lives.

Like every corner of this world, the African continent continues to jump leaps and bounds to shun itself from a continent that is historically known for the “rule of man”. Commonly and recently still referent to as the last frontier where women still have no rights; where dignity is a hard earned thought. When a country like Rwanda goes through a devastating genocide, it was not uncommon to hear skeptics, analysts and so-called experts refer to it as “stateless…hopeless; a country just as dotted on the map in size, is just as easy to erase off the map” – and on and on. Infuriating as it must have been to hear time and time again it added an overwhelming feeling of forlornness.

However, as relevant as it is, this is not a story of how they got there; it’s a story of who was daring enough to plant seeds of hope at the bedrock soils of underlying skulls; “The Women Coffee Farmers of Rwanda” If you had a cup of coffee today, chances are that it was planted, tendered, picked, delivered, harvested, processed, sun-dried, sorted, hulled, analyzed, bagged, transported, counted, roasted, re-bagged, ground, steeped, handcrafted, and served to you by a woman. Coffee, just like humans, has a high natural deliquescent microcosm, where the line between character and contamination is extremely fickle. After the genocide, Rwanda stood at the crossroads of the latter microcosm.

Society was broken; its only chance of survival was to have a change of heart as a society – a complete overhaul. Equality and reconciliation was not just an option, but an absolute necessity.

Coffee farmers were one of the first pillars of society that wholly embraced the trickle down messages of equality and the banishment of archaic patriarchal from the leadership of women – a cultural risk that is often not given its due credit of exemplary courage where equality is otherwise seen as taboo. A courage that is partially and significantly responsible in stitching the hearts and minds of a once torn society; a courage desperately needed in re-stitching an industry tearing at the seams of sustainability, transparency and quality. The role of women in coffee can no longer be undermined, unnoticed, or gone un-incentivized. The trick is getting to know “who” they are.

We are proud to introduce you to the brave women of Hingakawa Women’s Coffee. The journey of both the producers and product are fully traceable by a third party traceability verifier. The details to chain of custody tracking allow us to recognize these incredible women and understand what makes this coffee as special as it tastes.

10 Reasons to Invest in Women and Girls

Gender Equallity
Technology

WAKIBI Geoffrey

February 2, 2024

They’re your mothers and your daughters, your sisters and your aunts, your cousins and your friends. There are so many reasons to invest in them, beside the fact that you love them. Here are 10:

1. More inclusive government. If you’d like to see less fighting among your elected officials, encourage women to run for public office. According to USAID, countries where women hold at least 30 percent of political seats are more inclusive, egalitarian and democratic.

2. Improved public-service delivery. The next time you’re frustrated by poor roads or a lack of potable water, vote for a woman. USAID reports that women’s political participation increases cooperation across party and ethnic lines and improves government responsiveness to citizens.

3. Greater farm production. The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization found that empowering women farmers with the same access to land, new technologies and capital as men could increase crop yields by as much as 30 percent.

4. Fewer hungry people. When women succeed, society succeeds. Nowhere is that more clear than in food production. In that same report, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that a 30 percent crop yield boost means 150 million fewer hungry people.

5. Increased buying power. As onetime World Bank chief economist Lawrence Summers said, “Investment in girls’ education may well be the highest-return investment available in the developing world.” Each year of secondary school boosts a girl’s future earning power by roughly 20 percent.

6. Stronger economies. Educating a girl pays dividends for her family once she becomes a woman and for her country too. According to USAID, when 10 percent more girls go to school, a country’s GDP increases an average 3 percent.

7. Fewer child deaths. Women who are educated are better able to take care of themselves and their children. According to UNESCO, a child born to a mother who can read is 50 percent more likely to live past age 5.

8. Less HIV/AIDS. For UNICEF, education is essential to slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS. That’s because girls who are better educated are less likely to engage in casual sex.

9. Fewer conflicts. When women’s lives are valued, their experiences considered and their voices heard, better outcomes prevail. Through its peacekeeping operations, the U.N. has found that when women are included, deadly conflicts can be avoided.

10. More lasting peace. Women have an important role to play in driving reconciliation and reconstruction. According to the U.N., involving women in conflict negotiation and peace building efforts can lead to more widely accepted and durable peace agreements.

GardaWorld an Excellent Example of Commitment to Gender Equality

Gender Equallity

WAKIBI Geoffrey

February 2, 2024

GardaWorld an Excellent Example of Commitment to Gender Equality

How is it like for women to work in security industry? How are private security service providers promoting gender equality in this industry.

GardaWorld a leading private security services provider has set the the pace in Rwanda. With 16% of its security officers being women in a male dominated industry. GardaWorld is committed to growing this number further by deliberately ensuring that measures that attract and retain women in the industry are promoted.

GardaWorld believes that women have their place in the company, and it thus ensures that they do take that place.

Many women have shied away from this industry which has been perceived traditionally as a man’s industry.

To change the mindset deliberate efforts are required to ensure that women understand that they have the ability to even outperform men.

Organisations have to put in place measures that ensure that gender equality is promoted.

GardaWorld has put in place a committee that ensures that issues that hinder women from joining the the industry are addressed right from recruitment to deployment.

There are direct and indirect benefits that comes with diversifying the workforce genderwise. These benefits translate to more productivity and returns to businesses and organisations.

GardaWorld endevours in having women as part of delivering its tailor-made solutions in Security, Facilities Management, Electronic security, Fleet Management and Security Consultancy.

About GardaWorld

GardaWorld is a global champion in security services, integrated risk management and cash solutions, employing more than 120,000 highly skilled and dedicated professionals. Driven by a relentless entrepreneurial culture and core values of integrity, vigilance, trust and respect, we offer sophisticated and tailored security and technology solutions through high-touch partnerships and consistently superior service delivery. With a deep understanding that security is critical to conducting business and keeping communities safe, GardaWorld is committed to impeccable governance, professional care and the well-being of everyone. Thanks to a well-earned reputation, we are proud to be the long-standing security partner of choice to some of the most prominent brands, Fortune 500 corporations and governments. For more information, visit https://www.garda.com/

Closing Gender Gaps in Agriculture, Helping Women Farmers into Feasible Sustainability.

Agriculture
Featured

WAKIBI Geoffrey

February 2, 2024

Closing Gender Gaps in Agriculture, Helping Women Farmers into Feasible Sustainability.

In addition to preserving the earth’s natural resources, sustainable agriculture benefits the environment through helping to maintain soil quality, reducing erosion, and preserving water. However, and most importantly, owing to the fact that the earth’s population is rapidly growing and with such an expansion comes along with increased need for more resources, without support to sustainable agricultural production the world is at a significant threat.

Imagine statistics that indicate that the global population is going to reach 9 billion people by 2050. Today, more than 1 billion people of the world depend on farming for their income and livelihood. This implies that although the world is doing much with increasing food production, the earth’s population has become a growing concern for the possibilities of producing that much food with the limited resources available.

In order to maintain stable livelihood and sustainable lifestyle, countries, especially of the developing world together with agriculturalists must focus on certain criteria in order to meet the sustainability practices and needs. This calls for creating a healthy environment, while ensuring economic profitability in addition to maintaining social and economic support and equity for every member of the food system to be able to manage a sustainable lifestyle. Such members of the food system and supply chain include mainly the smallholder farmers.

Smallholder farmers are the main food producers in development countries. Increased smallholder agricultural production means more food enters the market place and on family tables, leading to lower food prices and better diets. In Africa alone, there are an estimated 33 million smallholder farms, and their farmers that live on them contribute to 70% of Africa’s food supply.

STARS Rwanda Gender Focus

“Like in all other African countries, Rwandan women perform most of the activities in agriculture production ranging from farming, winnowing, drying and marketing, however sometimes they do as voluntary work and this brings inequality together with all its limitations,” says Shyaka Francis, STARS value chain development advisor, a five-year (2017-2021) project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

ICCO, in collaboration with MarterCard Foundation have worked with endless effort to promote female inclusion. The theory of change is the backbone of this development program that STARS designed to drive forth its interventions tailored to improving the capacity of women smallholders and participation in the food systems and value chain.

Empowering women smallholder farmers to grow more and better crops, better food and increased incomes is a prerequisite. While the country’s agriculture accounts for a third of the national GDP and yet more than 70% of Rwandan women are engaged in agriculture, it is disappointing that these women don’t have access to land, production inputs, finance or markets as compared to men.

As a result women smallholder farmers are mostly relegated to subsistence farming. While their families rely on their small harvest as the main source of food and nutrition, the lack of quality agriculture inputs, finance, and technology reduces the yield and diversity of their crops. This ultimately impacts the food and nutrition security plus incomes of their families.

Women obstacle

During the first year of implementation in 2017, STARS took to a feasibility study to examine situation in which women were operating and realized that there were various constraints to women inclusion in various value chains. With a serious focus on farmers and producer organizations, a range of gender differences in access to finance, farm inputs, knowledge and skill, service, market as well as control over assets especially land

Women smallholder farmers have been known face a serious challenge of poor incomes rallied with too much agricultural responsibility and work alongside unpaid domestic labour. Others include:

Poor literacy, especially lack of financial and digital skills
Limited time, capacity and resources to travel to access training, finance, and market etc.
Inadequate access to, and ownership of land for agricultural production and collateral
Less access to information, markets and big buyers as compared to men
Low access to finance and required collateral
Low representation of women in key decision-making bodies within producer organizations like cooperatives and other local institutions, in addition to low women participation in meetings
Unnecessary male domination and control over women (e.g. decision on women’s businesses, use of income, in addition to limited decision making power at household or community level;

STARS Power of change

Almost all of the mentioned barriers mentioned earlier have been known to be interrelated and are always reinforcing. One barrier contributes to the strength of impact of another and vice versa. Take for example an illiterate woman whose is cause of ignorance are limited resources to cater for education or training.

The ICCO’s STARS program is an ideology of change that came at a time when it was greatly needed and used a variety of approaches to address these constraints.

STARS program has supported producer organizations in Rwanda to include more women in their leadership and by so doing, stimulated women capacities in agriculture where many of them have become leaders in their homes, their farms, and their communities. This has resulted into women building an understanding of self esteem and confidence. Through the program, women farmers have come to value their positions and role in the value chain activities. Women farmers are leaders in dialogues of conflicts resolutions on agricultural resources which have greatly reduced among households. Women representatives in POs leadership positions increased from 20% to between 30 – 40%. In addition, women have less fear to request loans for agricultural activities and are supported by their husbands.

What They Say!

A good example is one of the cooperatives in Nyagatare district of the Eastern province of Rwanda called COPRIMU cooperative. Before the cooperative started working with the STARS program in 2017, it had governance issues that were holding them back and demoralizing its members. Fortune Murangoyire, the manager of the cooperative explained. “We would transact money without documentation and staff would take leave without filling any forms. Unable to access money when needed inputs, members always felt very disappointed and lost confidence in the leadership”.

Consolee, is a member of COPRIMU, she used to farm on just 18 acres of land, barely producing enough to feed her family, let alone selling. They were farming without plan and direction. One would be planting, another weeding, and someone else would be applying pesticide, you can imagine the chaos across the marshland,” Consolee says.

She was not the only COPRIMU member for whom farming was not rewarding. The production of the cooperative stood at 280 tons on 140 ha in 2017. This translated to just two tons per hectare, despite the amount of seed they sunk into the marshland during planting. “We used to plant 8 kg on 12 acres and even complained that it was little”, Consolee laughs.

The establishment of gender committees by STARS at each producer organization helped to resolve conflicts and empower its women members like Consolee to participate more actively in the affairs of their cooperatives, take charge of their production and understand their right to earn and manage the money they got paid for their rice yield. And it has also been a great opportunity for women to improve their self-confidence, autonomy, risk-taking abilities and to become role models for their colleagues.

“Women started taking leadership roles, vying for positions alongside men in the governance committee”, COPRIMU manager recounted.

“I was not left behind. I vied for and was elected leader of Kundumuceli group, in charge of almost 140 farmers,” Consolee says proudly.

The shift in governance revived the members’ trust for the leadership of the cooperative. Whereas farmers were accustomed to selling off their produce to the highest bidder, they now pooled their harvest together and allowed the cooperative to negotiate off-taker contracts with a processor; Nyagatare rice. STARS program had orchestrated the linkage with the buyer.

The changes brought in by the gender committee were also seen in many other cooperatives. Women members from KABIYAKI cooperative in Kamonyi District, Southern province, expressed their full enjoyment of the leadership of their Cooperative chairperson who is a woman and they say that “When we see our fellow woman colleague governing a big cooperative, poor mindset of inferiority complex and fear to take on big responsibility fades off and we do not hesitate to freely express our ideas (Focus group discussion, Lessons learned from the STARS, interventions for female smallholder farmers in Rwanda report, 2021).

“The capacity building support from STARS made me feel as a powerful woman with more confidence when leading meeting with our cooperative members, and I have realized that my colleagues women were awaken especially when it comes to express their ideas or to give their candidature for different leadership positions within cooperative,” KABIYAKI president states.

Beyond direct STARS positive impact to cooperative members, respondents from IMPABARUTA cooperative revealed to have used knowledge from the training on gender to handle family gender-based violence. This cooperative developed a great initiative to invite those couples experiencing household conflict in order to educate them about family conflict prevention and to show them the importance of letting their wives participate in cooperative activities for the best of the household’s benefits including children and husbands. This best practice worked well, and many couples were reunified and now live in family harmony.

One female farmer explains that, “There is asignificant difference before the program and now. Actually, relationships between men and women are improved; they discuss and decide together about household’s matters. Now we observe that the cases of gender-based violence have decreased even among our colleagues’ households”

About STAR-ICCO Project

The STARS Rwanda project, through its market system development approach, focuses on improving access to finance and markets for more than 200,000 smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Other areas of the project’s operation include Senegal and Boukina Faso and Ethiopea. The project targets and plans to have an overall impact on the lives of more than 1 million people and their families. STARS improves value chain and gives smallholders better access to financial instruments, skills, inputs, and market

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