In a strong display of commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), in partnership with UNDP, held two significant events between November 2024 and March 2025. These gatherings not only highlighted RRA’s dedication to a gender-responsive tax system but also offered concrete actions to empower women in the workplace and beyond as well as providing a platform to amplify women’s voices within the tax ecosystem.
An Insightful Training Session
Held from November 18-19, 2024, the first event brought together 182 female staff from RRA, 30 planning and budgeting officers, and 29 female taxpayers. It was conducted under the Equanomics framework, a joint pilot project by RRA, UNDP, and the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), which aims to build a gender-responsive tax system in Rwanda.
The training tackled three major themes: gender-responsive planning and budgeting (GRB), gender-responsive procurement, and workplace harassment prevention, including RRA’s newly developed sexual harassment strategy. Through interactive presentations, role plays, and open dialogue, the sessions empowered participants to understand and apply gender equality principles in their work.
In addition to supporting RRA in its preparedness for certification under the Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, the two-day event served as a powerful catalyst for creating a safe space for female staff and provided a platform to share lived experiences, challenges, and practical solutions.
Bringing Equanomics to scale : A Vision Reaffirmed
Fast forward to March 24, 2025, when the RRA and UNDP reconvened to launch phase two of the Equanomics programme (2025-2027). The programme aims to equip the ministry of finance and revenue authority with the tools, data, and capacity needed to implement inclusive fiscal reforms that advance gender equality through an improved tax system, fiscal policies, and budgeting processes. The launch event brought together over 400 participants, predominantly female staff and representatives from RRA and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), aiming to raise stakeholder awareness for smooth implementation. It reaffirmed institutional commitments to gender-inclusive reforms in tax administration and served once again as a safe space for women to connect, exchange experiences, and empower one another.
Key presentations covered gender gaps in Rwanda’s taxation system, including implicit gender biases, limited tax literacy among women, complex tax procedures that disproportionately burden female entrepreneurs The Gender Equality Seal certification journey was also outlined, and featured a training session by UNDP’s Clement Kirenga on empowering women in the workplace. A highlight was Dr. Fatmata’s keynote address on “The Power of Women in Driving Institutional Growth,” which sparked vibrant discussion. Adding a powerful note of institutional recognition, RRA Commissioner General Mr. Ronald Niwenshuti commended the contributions of RRA’s female staff and reiterated the agency’s goal of becoming a workplace of choice for women.
Commitments and the Road Ahead
- RRA aims to be awarded a certification under the Gender Equality Seal by June 2026.
- Continued implementation of anti-sexual harassment strategies and support for gender-sensitive procurement and budgeting.
- Support the funding for staff to pursue master’s degrees in Gender Equality.
- Calls for safer, inclusive workspaces, including better facilities for women, nursing rooms, and consistent training for all staff.
Most importantly, these efforts are not standalone. They reflect a broader national agenda – one where inclusive governance, equitable policies, and women’s empowerment are foundational to progress. With ongoing collaboration between RRA, UNDP, and other key stakeholders, Rwanda is steadily paving the way toward a more inclusive and gender-responsive public sector.
