Kigali, Rwanda – 15 May 2025 — The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), in collaboration with the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rwanda, convened a High-Level Dialogue today to champion the nationwide implementation of the RS 560:2023 standard. The event, held at the RSB Conference Hall, marked a significant milestone in Rwanda’s journey to institutionalize gender equality through measurable, certifiable standards.
The RS 560:2023 standard, developed jointly by RSB, GMO, UNDP Rwanda, and the Private Sector Federation (PSF), serves as a transformative tool to embed gender equality into the core of organizational governance and operations. It builds on the success of the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme and aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
The dialogue brought together leaders from public institutions, private enterprises, and development partners to reflect on Rwanda’s progress under the Gender Equality Seal Programme and to explore strategies for transitioning to the RS 560 certification.
“Certification against management systems and social responsibility standards such as RS 560 is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for entering global markets. Once acquired, it becomes a competitive advantage that opens doors to new market opportunities,” said Murenzi Raymond, Director General of RSB. “Improving enterprise competitiveness through standards is a strategic way to promote both economic growth and gender equality.”
RS 560:2023 provides a framework for organizations to assess the gender impacts of their operations, policies, and structures. By institutionalizing gender accountability, the standard promotes inclusive governance and positions certified entities to benefit from enhanced market access and global credibility.
Chief Gender Monitor Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine praised Rwanda’s commitment to gender accountability: “Rwanda’s proactive approach through RS 560:2023 and the Gender Equality Seal Programme demonstrates the country’s dedication to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces.”
From the perspective of the private sector, PSF Chairperson Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi emphasized that inclusivity is both a social and economic imperative:
“The RS 560 standard offers a measurable path for businesses to foster equitable workplaces, drive innovation, and build resilience. Today’s dialogue is a call to action for our members to embrace certification and lead by example.”
The dialogue further explored the pivotal role of top leadership in guiding organizations toward RS 560 certification and underscored Rwanda’s position as a continental leader in gender-responsive standards, especially through its active engagement with the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
“RS 560 is more than a certification; it is a strategic tool to advance inclusive and equitable development by embedding gender equality into institutional culture and practice,” said Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative.
Participants agreed that the adoption of gender equality standards is key to building inclusive workplaces that support employee morale, creativity, and productivity—while enhancing institutional reputation and aligning organizations with the diverse needs of their clients and stakeholders.
As Rwanda continues to pioneer standards-based approaches to equality and inclusion, the RS 560:2023 certification stands as a bold step forward in ensuring that gender equity becomes not just a policy, but a deeply rooted practice across all sectors.
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES