The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) organized a workshop on gender equality in tax administration, in cooperation with UNDP, in Kigali on May 20. The event saw active participation from the senior leadership of RRA, the Gender Monitoring Office, and UNDP, underscoring their commitment to improving the Rwandan tax system for gender equality. The leadership has already embarked on an ambitious journey of transformation, aiming to better align various institutional functions, such as taxpayer services, outreach, and enforcement, and the working environment with the principles of inclusive and gender-responsive governance. This journey is supported by the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions.
Rwanda is one of three pilot countries in Africa and one of eight globally that have been selected to implement the EQUANOMICS program. These countries are currently receiving support through the EQUANOMICS initiative via UNDP’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Funding Window, thanks to pooled contributions from the Republic of Korea and Luxembourg. The overall aim of EQUANOMICS is to make public finance and taxation deliver on gender equality.
During the workshop, Osten Chulu, Senior Economic Advisor at UNDP, highlighted the necessity of addressing gender inequalities in all aspects, including economic, social, political, environmental, and governance. He emphasized that fiscal policies are pivotal in advancing gender equality, a critical component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP has been working towards a world with a tax system and fiscal policies that contribute to building a gender-equal economy through the EQUANOMICS initiative.
When we talk on EQUANOMICS, we talk of economic equality, where there is equal distribution of all national wealth and all the assets of the country. This calls for gender-responsive tax policies and reforms designed to transform existing economic structures and systems and promote equality between male and female taxpayers.
Osten Chulu, Senior Economic Advisor at UNDP
To enhance gender equality in the Rwandan taxation system, several key aspects have been identified at the event. These include ensuring equal treatment in taxation, treating individuals equally regardless of gender, and avoiding any gender-based biases or discriminatory practices in tax codes. Emphasis has also been placed on the necessity of progressive taxation, where higher-income earners are taxed at higher rates to redistribute wealth and reduce income inequality, which disproportionately affects women, especially those in lower income brackets. Other important aspects include providing tax credits and deductions, improving access to financial resources, addressing the gender pay gap, and investing in social programs.
I really appreciate UNDP supporting the implementation of the Gender Equality Seal Program in RRA, and from our side, we are committed to implementing all the standards.
Pascal Bizimana Ruganintwali, RRA Commissioner General
Florien H. Rurihose, Deputy Chief Gender Monitor of the Gender Monitoring Office, commended the inclusion of gender issues in key economic sectors, such as financial development and tax administration.
For institutions that implement the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, they are provided with useful tools that help them to enhance accountability to gender equality whilst also improving their working environment and promoting inclusive workplaces. This ultimately leads to sustainable development and is good for the country.
Florien H. Rurihose, Deputy Chief Gender Monitor of the Gender Monitoring Office
Participants at the workshop stressed that taxes should be seen as contributions to national development rather than punishments for earners and emphasized the need to ensure gender equity in the taxation system to enhance women’s participation in the economy.
To further advance taxation and gender equality, UNDP and RRA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster cooperation towards creating a tax system and fiscal policies free from gender-based discrimination. This collaboration marks a significant step towards building an inclusive and equitable economic environment in Rwanda.
