Pictured above: We work with tea estates to ensure women can work in safer, more inclusive and more equitable environments

Dear John,

Rwanda officially launched a new Gender Equality Certification Scheme to promote equality in workplaces across the country last year. This scheme is the first of its kind in Africa and aims to institutionalise gender equality through a national standard and a formal certification process.

Health Poverty Action is the first non-governmental organisation (NGO) to implement the Gender Equality Standard in Rwanda, which provides a measurable and certifiable framework that ensures organisations adopt fair, inclusive, and gender-balanced practices in their operations.

As part of our commitment to promoting gender equality in the tea sector, our team supported five tea factories to conduct self-assessments and develop Gender Equality Action Plans.

Pictured above: Rwanda Mountain Tea staff receive their gender equality certificate from the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion

These plans aim to create safer, more inclusive, and equitable workplaces. Through this process, each factory identified and implemented practical actions to strengthen women’s leadership, improve working conditions, and promote equal opportunities for all employees.

For example, the factories have all set up Gender Equality Committees. We've trained staff serving on these committees on gender equality standards, recruitment, promotion, and pay equity, so there’s an internal mechanism to keep pushing this work forward within these companies.

We also supported construction of 50 toilets with separate facilities for women and men, doors, and clear signage. This means women no longer need to relieve themselves in secluded areas, which reduces the risk of harassment and makes a real difference to dignity and safety at work.

Pictured above: We work with five tea factories that were awarded gender equality certificates in the first ceremony for Rwanda's certification scheme

During the certification ceremony, 25 organizations were recognized for their achievements in advancing gender equality and accountability in the workplace. Among them, 16 organizations received gold certificates and 9 received silver certificates.

Proudly, the five tea factories supported by Health Poverty Action were all awarded gold certificates, reflecting their strong commitment to advancing gender equality and setting a benchmark for inclusive and equitable workplaces in Rwanda’s tea industry.

We are only able to engage in long-term work with communities in Rwanda, and across the world, to address complex issues like gender equality because of the committed support of donors and partners globally.

On behalf of all the communities we work alongside in Africa, Asia and Latin America, I thank you for your invaluable contributions.

Warm regards,

Siaffa Bunduka,

Supporter Engagement Manager