Rwanda’s national theme, “Empowered women, stronger nation,” emphasizes that a country can only thrive when women are given equal opportunities to lead and contribute to society.
Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, and Caroline Raes, the Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Rwanda, are two women who understand the power of women in climate action.
Uwamariya, having served as Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion before her current role, has witnessed how empowering women can lead to stronger environmental outcomes.
She believes that "Women’s knowledge and action are vital for climate resilience. Supporting their leadership is key to safeguarding Rwanda’s environmental future and strengthening the foundation of families and communities."
Caroline Raes, who hails from Ethiopia and has worked across multiple continents, shares a similar perspective. Since moving to Rwanda two years ago to lead the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), she has been inspired by the country’s commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability.
"When women gain skills, power, and control over their own lives, they become strong agents of change within their communities, shaping the values, aspirations, and opportunities available to the next generation," Raes states.
She is dedicated to ensuring that GGGI continues to empower women through various projects that foster climate resilience and sustainable development.
Rwanda has made remarkable progress in promoting gender equality, particularly in leadership roles. Women hold 63.8% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 45.4% of cabinet positions.
This representation is not just symbolic; it has a direct impact on policy-making. Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy actively integrates gender considerations into national climate initiatives.
Through gender-responsive budgeting, the government ensures that resources are allocated to programs supporting women in climate adaptation.
One of the critical areas where this commitment is evident is in land ownership. The Land Tenure Regularization program has increased women’s land ownership rights to 26% as of 2023.
This is vital because access to land empowers women farmers, who make up 77.7% of Rwanda’s agricultural workforce, to implement sustainable agricultural practices and withstand climate shocks.
However, women-headed households remain disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods. Limited access to credit and formal employment exacerbates their vulnerability.
The waste management sector provides another example of the challenges and opportunities for women in climate action. An assessment conducted by GGGI in December 2022 revealed significant gender inequalities in Rwanda’s waste sector.
Women involved in waste sorting and management face poor working conditions, lack of protective equipment, and limited decision-making power.
Cultural norms further restrict their access to training and resources, making it harder for them to adopt safer practices. To address these gaps, GGGI has implemented initiatives to improve working conditions and enhance women’s participation in the circular economy.
In 2023, GGGI partnered with the Ministry of Environment and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to create 75 green jobs, including for women in waste management.
The organization also trained 114 women in circular economy strategies and developed a gender action plan to promote equitable opportunities in the waste sector. These efforts are part of a broader vision to nurture a new generation of female climate leaders who will drive sustainable development in Rwanda.
Looking ahead, GGGI is supporting the development of a gender equality and social inclusion index to track the integration of gender-responsive actions in Rwanda’s climate initiatives. This tool will help policymakers monitor progress and ensure that women and other marginalized groups are not left behind.
Additionally, as Rwanda prepares to revise its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, GGGI is working closely with the government to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion in climate policies.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural women, GGGI is conducting an assessment to identify their climate resilience needs. This initiative, part of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness project, will inform targeted interventions to empower rural women as environmental stewards.
By addressing their specific needs and providing them with the necessary resources, Rwanda aims to strengthen the resilience of entire communities against climate change.
Empowering women for climate action is not just about fairness, it is a strategic imperative. When women are equipped with the right tools, they drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion, and inspire future generations to take climate action seriously.
"To build a more resilient and sustainable world, it is crucial that we move away from perceiving women and girls as just vulnerable and passive individuals but rather consider them as critical agents of change," Raes emphasizes.
During this International Women’s month, Rwanda stands as a beacon of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead.
By continuing to invest in women’s empowerment, particularly in climate action, the nation is laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.
And as the world faces increasing climate challenges, the leadership and resilience of women will be indispensable in shaping solutions that benefit everyone.
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