Gender in Action: Powering Change/What does true gender transformation look like?

By Belynda ABAYISENGA ISIMBI

True gender transformation is more than just policy, it’s also about action, data, and intersectionality of other factors. At GIZ Rwanda’s gender event last week, we brought together key partners to showcase initiatives driving change locally and regionally, as we officially launch the Feminism in Action for Structural Transformation (FAST) programme in Rwanda. ?

The event was opened by remarks from the Ambassador of Germany in Rwanda, Heike Uta Dettmann, who emphasized the importance of cooperation, noting how gender-inclusive initiatives support #SDG5 and are key to empowering women and girls in the region, promoting peace and economic empowerment.??

During the event, our GG2 projects (projects that have gender equality as the main objective) presented and showcased (in a marketplace format) different impactful initiatives that are being implemented in collaboration with several partners:

? #iWPS project showcased the importance of incorporating local perspectives in the implementation of the Women, Peace & Security agenda in the Great Lakes Region. We are working closely with local women's organisations and #ICGLR to ensure women's voices are heard and their needs are integrated in peace & security processes.

? The Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) project, part of BMZ’s Invest for Jobs – Sonderinitiative ?Gute Besch?ftigung für sozial gerechten Wandel“ showcased its support to female entrepreneurs, employees, and authorities, in collaboration with partners like Ministry of Trade and Industry RWANDA , Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion/Rwanda, Gender Monitoring Office

Private Sector Federation (PSF) and other private sector companies and #CSOs.

?Prevention of Sexual and Gender-based Violence project, with its partners showcased as well different innovative tools developed for educational purposes on the topic of #GBV including the famous #GBV information chatbot (#350).?

The biggest highlight of the day was the launch of the Feminism in Action for Structural Transformation (FAST) programme, making Rwanda the fourth partner country.??

FAST focuses on governance, gender-based violence, gender data and digitalization, and care work. It supports inclusive governance systems that prioritize gender equality, addresses gender-based violence, strengthens gender-responsive data systems, and promotes policies that recognize and redistribute unpaid care work.?

The launch was marked by a panel discussion that featured:

??The importance of shifting traditional notions of masculinity, shared by the DG from Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion/Rwanda, Silas Ngayaboshya. He stressed the importance of transforming, not just reshaping, traditional notions of masculinity, ensuring that positive masculinity is an integral part of #SystemicGenderTransformation.

?? Rita Clemence Mutabazi Principal of IPRC Tumba, who was also on the panel underscored the role of data-driven interventions in promoting gender-responsive policies, particularly in education and employment. She also highlighted the critical role of data in developing gender-responsive policies and ensuring targeted interventions for women's empowerment in education, employment, and traditionally male-dominated fields.

?In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion/Rwanda, Mrs. Mireille BATAMULIZA, echoed the theme of transformation, urging for collaboration with men as allies, and prioritizing data-driven, gender-responsive policies and #CSO engagement to ensure equality for all.

Together, we are working towards systemic change that leaves no one behind. #GenderEquality #Sustainability #WomenEmpowerment #PeaceBuilding #DataDriven #SDG5 #GermanCooperation

德国国际合作机构 | Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) | Kosmotive | HAGURUKA Non Government Organization | Generation rise | Women for Women Rwanda