{"id":104939,"date":"2025-07-07T18:47:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T18:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwanda-highlights-gender-equality-at-osaka-expo-2025"},"modified":"2025-07-07T19:22:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T19:22:14","slug":"rwanda-highlights-gender-equality-at-osaka-expo-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/rwanda-highlights-gender-equality-at-osaka-expo-2025","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda Highlights Gender Equality at Osaka Expo 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>At a side event hosted at the Women\u2019s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Rwanda shared its transformative journey in advancing gender equality over the past three decades, making an element of post-Genocide recovery, inclusive leadership, and sustained policy support for women.<\/p>\n

Rwanda\u2019s Ambassador to Japan, Marie Claire Mukasine, said progress in women\u2019s empowerment is anchored in visionary leadership that values equality for all citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are lucky to have leadership that considers all Rwandans equal,\u201d she said, citing Rwanda\u2019s globally recognised statistic of female majority in Parliament. \u201cThis visionary leadership is a foundation of all we are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event, held under the theme \u201cRwanda and Gender Equality Progress & Vision\u201d, brought together voices from Rwanda and Japan to reflect on the power of women in shaping inclusive societies.<\/p>\n

Mukasine pointed to Rwanda\u2019s policy environment, which includes strong collaboration between the government and private sector to promote development.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrivate and public partnership is very important because it is where those two can discuss issues, even those government may not fully understand without dialogue,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a well-organised private sector, from national to local levels. They need to talk to policymakers and help shape a conducive business environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13, with 158 participating countries showcasing solutions under the theme \u201cDesigning Future Societies for Our Lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

ALSO: Liberation no longer historical milestone, but lived reality \u2013 Minister Sebahizi<\/p>\n

Access to finance was also highlighted as a key driver of women\u2019s economic participation. Mukasine pointed to the Business Development Fund (BDF), a government financial institution that has initiatives that support women and youth by easing access to capital.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe government has put in place Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in every district, as well as financial cooperatives that provide collateral for small businesses. These institutions also offer capacity building to women in rural areas,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

For Sakina Usengimana, CEO of Afrifoods, this ecosystem has made a tangible difference for women entrepreneurs in Rwanda.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur policy environment really encourages women to go out there and start businesses,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough partnerships with institutions like the Development Bank of Rwanda, women can access finance, even up to 75% collateral support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Usengimana, who started her agribusiness in 2019, highlighted how platforms like Youth Connekt, Hanga Pitch Fest, Aguka, and Imbuto Foundation\u2019s Imari Agrichallenge are enabling young women to pitch their ideas, receive mentorship, and secure startup funding.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a young woman, I can confidently present my idea and compete. Seeing other women succeed gives you the confidence, it makes you believe that you can do it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ambassador Mukasine also stressed that Rwanda\u2019s empowerment agenda reaches rural areas through inclusive policies in education, vocational training, and grassroots entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreviously, even completing primary school was a challenge. Today, every child is entitled to 12 years of basic education,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve expanded TVETs to the sector level, so youth can gain practical skills to create jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

In rural areas, she said, short-term trainings are offered along with startup toolkits, such as sewing machines or hair salon equipment, that have changed the lives of many youths.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt may seem small, but it\u2019s transformative,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Sanae Endo, a women\u2019s rights advocate from Japan with over 25 years in human resources, said her country can learn a lot from Rwanda\u2019s high female representation in decision-making.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompany policies are often written by men. For women\u2019s voices to be heard, we need to have a certain level of representation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The activist stressed the importance of mentorship for women\u2019s empowerment, encouraging cross-generational and cross-cultural learning.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\r\n