Rwanda Strengthens Global Leadership in Gender-Tech Equality at 4th Generation Equality Forum Stakeholders Roundtable

In a significant demonstration of its global leadership in gender equality through innovation, Rwanda hosted the 4th Generation Equality Forum (GEF) Stakeholders Roundtable at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) headquarters. Organized by UN Women Rwanda in collaboration with MIGEPROF, the high-level forum brought together more than 50 participants from government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international development partners. The objective was clear: to assess progress, reinforce partnerships, and reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to its national pledges under the GEF framework. Rwanda serves as a co-lead of the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality—a position earned through sustained, results-driven stakeholder engagement. This roundtable marked a strategic midpoint in Rwanda’s five-year journey, which began with commitments made by President Paul Kagame at the 2021 Paris Forum. Since then, the country has worked rigorously to embed gender equality within its digital transformation agenda.

From Statistics to Stories of Change

Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Hon. Consolée Uwimana, highlighted key achievements since 2021. Girls’ enrollment in STEM at the upper secondary level rose from 44.7% to 48.6%, and mobile phone ownership among women-led households surged from 54.4% to 74%. Notably, young women innovators have won three consecutive Hanga Pitch Fest competitions. “These are not just statistics they are stories of transformation,” said Uwimana. “Rwanda is not just making promises, we are delivering change the world can learn from.”

Presentations from various government bodies showed broad progress. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Information Society Authority reported advances in broadband access and digital device provision. The Ministry of Finance emphasized strides in digital financial inclusion and called for better tracking systems. The Ministry of Commerce highlighted increased participation of women in digital markets, while the Ministry of Education presented positive outcomes from STEM initiatives like the African Girls Can Code Initiative.

Building Global Standards Through Local Action

In her keynote address, UN Women Country Representative Ms. Jennet Kem praised Rwanda’s leadership, calling the platform a reflection of GEF’s core values—coordination, inclusivity, and accountability. Rwanda’s recent election as Vice-Chair of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) was acknowledged as a testament to its growing influence in global gender-tech policymaking.

Joining the event virtually, Hélène Molinier, UN Women’s Advisor on Digital Gender Cooperation, revealed that GEF has mobilized over $40 billion globally through more than 2,500 commitments. She commended Rwanda’s model of turning high-level pledges into structured, accountable action, establishing the country as a benchmark for the international community.

A Call for Inclusive, Ground-Up Innovation

Stakeholders at the roundtable emphasized the importance of systematizing the documentation of gender-tech initiatives for better knowledge sharing and resource alignment. Discussions called for enhanced grassroots engagement to eliminate persistent barriers to girls’ STEM education and ensure that technology-facilitated gender-based violence is addressed within national digital strategies. Evidence-based policymaking, strategic partnerships with innovation hubs, and inclusive coordination were underscored as vital for accelerating gender transformation. Participants also emphasized the need for stronger cooperation with research institutions to develop targeted solutions and bridge the gender digital divide.

Closing with Conviction

In his closing remarks, Mr. Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of MIGEPROF, reiterated Rwanda’s unwavering dedication.

“Our pledges are not mere aspirations, they are transformative promises. We must challenge norms, close digital gaps, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind,” he stated.