Rwanda has reinforced its commitment to building an inclusive care economy following a high-level policy dialogue that convened government officials, development partners, civil society, and private sector actors in Kigali.
The forum focused on tackling the unequal distribution of unpaid care work, which continues to disproportionately affect women.
Data presented during the dialogue showed that women spend over seven hours daily on unpaid care tasks, compared to just over two hours for men, highlighting a persistent barrier to women’s full economic participation.
Organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the meeting reviewed progress under the “3R Programme,” which promotes the recognition, reduction, and redistribution of unpaid care work.
Participants noted key achievements, including legal reforms, expanded childcare services, and increased awareness of care responsibilities.
Testimonies from beneficiaries across the country underscored the tangible impact of these interventions.
Adeline Mukamana from Gisagara District shared how access to local initiatives transformed her livelihood:
“Through initiatives brought by UN Women through our local government, I have managed to work and buy three cows, while also resolving domestic conflicts that stemmed from my husband being the sole provider.”
Speaking at the dialogue, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Hon. Uwimana Consolée, emphasized the need to reposition care within national development priorities:
“We can no longer treat care as a private household matter. Care must be recognized as a central pillar of our development agenda, with direct implications for productivity, gender equality, and economic growth.”
The UN Women Acting Country representative
Representative, Tikikel Tadele Alemu, highlighted both progress and persistent challenges:
“Rwanda has demonstrated strong political will through policies, legislation, and partnerships that place care at the center of development.”. She said
She added, however, harmful social norms, financing gaps, coordination challenges, and limited data continue to constrain progress. Even small, well-targeted investments can catalyze meaningful change when they respond to the lived realities of communities.”
Participants also called for strengthened public sensitization on gender equality policies, noting that limited understanding can sometimes lead to misinterpretation or misuse at the household level.
Many emphasized the importance of actively engaging men and boys in these efforts, stressing that gender equality outcomes are interconnected.
As discussed during the forum, challenges affecting men and boys ultimately impact women and girls as well, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches that involve all members of society.
Discussions further pointed to the need for stronger policy coordination, increased financing for care services, and improved data systems to sustain progress.
Stakeholders stressed that while significant strides have been made, scaling impact will require continued collaboration across sectors and institutions.
The dialogue concluded with a call for concrete action, urging stakeholders to move beyond commitments toward implementation, and to strengthen accountability in advancing a more equitable and sustainable care economy.
By Andrew shyaka
