The Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) joined financial markets worldwide in marking International Women’s Day with the 11th annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality, calling for stronger private sector action to close gender gaps in leadership and pay equity.
RSE CEO Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba said stock markets must drive policy shifts that foster inclusive workplaces and gender-balanced leadership.
“Investors and CEOs must champion transparency in pay structures, gender-neutral hiring, and mentorship programs to turn rhetoric into action,” he said. IFC Resident Representative for Rwanda and Uganda, Janice Ryu, stressed that gender equality is not just a moral issue but an economic strategy for long-term growth.
Hon. Nelly Mukazayire, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, compared the pursuit of gender equality to sports, where success depends on teamwork and determination. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Mireille Batamuliza, highlighted Rwanda’s three-decade journey in advancing women’s rights. “We ring the bell in Rwandan culture to call attention to what truly matters. Today, we recommit to breaking barriers for women in business, sports, and leadership,” she said.
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s push for economic inclusion, emphasizing the need to eliminate workplace discrimination, invest in gender-focused policies, and create pathways for women in decision-making roles. As the event concluded, officials urged the private sector to translate commitments into measurable progress.
Founded in 2005 and officially launched in 2011, the Rwanda Stock Exchange lists 10 companies—five domestic and five cross-listed from Kenya and South Africa—alongside a fixed-income board. The exchange continues to push for gender-inclusive investment policies in Rwanda’s financial markets.
