The Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) joined stock exchanges across the world to mark the “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2026” campaign, calling for stronger action to promote women’s rights, justice, and equal participation in the economy.
The event, organized in line with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, was held under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.”
It brought together government leaders, private sector representatives and young advocates to highlight the importance of advancing gender equality.
In a symbolic effort to inspire the next generation, the ceremony was emceed by a young schoolgirl from Gashora, reflecting Rwanda’s commitment to encouraging girls to pursue leadership and opportunity.
Addressing participants, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolee Uwimana, thanked the Rwanda Stock Exchange and its partners for organizing the event and emphasized the need for concrete action to advance women’s economic empowerment.
“The theme Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls is exactly what we need to push forward the agenda for women’s full and equal participation in the economy,” she said.
Uwimana noted that the private sector plays a critical role in economic development through innovation, investment and job creation, but highlighted that women remain underrepresented in several industries.
“While Rwanda has made notable progress, women are still underrepresented in certain sectors. For example, women’s representation stands at 4 percent in transport, 13.4 percent in construction, and around 20 percent in mining,” she said.
She stressed the need for businesses and financial institutions to actively address these disparities.
“Every woman and girl deserves to live and work in an environment free from violence and discrimination.
Justice means fairness—closing the pay gap, ensuring equal access to training, leadership opportunities and financial resources. When these barriers are removed, women can fully contribute to economic growth.”
Opening the ceremony, Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing gender equality within the financial sector.
“If we educate women, we educate a nation,” he said, emphasizing that empowering women is essential for sustainable development.
Rwabukumba noted that the stock exchange is committed to ensuring gender equality efforts translate into real results.
“This year’s theme reminds us that achieving equality requires more than commitment. It requires measurable progress and collective responsibility,” he said.
Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he added:
“There is no tool for development more effective than empowering women. In Rwanda, this statement has proven to be true.”
Rwanda’s global leadership in women’s empowerment
Rwabukumba also highlighted Rwanda’s global recognition for women’s representation in leadership and governance.
“Women have been at the heart of Rwanda’s reconstruction and development. Today, Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in parliament in the world, demonstrating our national commitment to inclusive governance and equal opportunity,” he said.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative is a global campaign that uses stock exchanges as platforms to promote gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
For Rwanda, the event served not only as a celebration of progress made but also as a call for continued action to ensure women and girls fully benefit from the country’s economic transformation.
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