March 26, 2026 – To mark the global celebration of World Water Day 2026, the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) has officially launched its landmark Gender Mainstreaming Strategy in the Water Resources Sector. 

The strategy serves as a practical framework to weave equality into the sector's daily operations, from planning and permitting to stakeholder engagement and data management.

Speaking at the launch, the RWB Executive Chairperson, Eng. Richard Nyirishema, emphasized that water management cannot be "gender-neutral" because access and governance affect women and men differently. He noted that while women shoulder the primary responsibility for household water collection, they remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, which are often dominated by men in sectors like irrigation and hydropower.

“Addressing this imbalance isn't just about fairness; it is about effectiveness,” Eng. Nyirishema stated. “Inclusive governance leads to sharper decisions, stronger resilience, and outcomes that actually last”.

The new strategy focuses on five key priorities to close these gaps: Accountability, Leadership, Investment, Evidence, and Collaboration.

The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Mrs. Mireille Batamuliza, commended RWB for the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone in Rwanda's journey toward inclusive management. She underscored that gender promotion in Rwanda is a constitutional mandate driven by the visionary leadership of H.E. President Paul Kagame.

“Our National Gender Policy is transformative; it moves beyond simple representation to dismantle the power relations that hinder equal opportunities,” Mrs. Batamuliza remarked. “I urge leaders across all institutions to adopt this model”.

Representing the ARCOS Network, the Director of Business Development and External Relations, Mrs. Jacqueline Ntukamazina, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations in promoting a shared mission of sustainability and equity.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with RWB on this essential journey," Mrs. Ntukamazina noted. "For too long, water infrastructure has been designed through a ‘gender-neutral’ lens, which often means overlooking the burdens borne by women. This strategy ensures that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are no longer just beneficiaries, but influential leaders in water governance."

By transitioning from intent to action, the Rwanda Water Resources Board reaffirms its commitment to governing the nation’s resources in a way that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Rwandans. Moving forward, the RWB remains dedicated to its core mission of managing water resources sustainably, ensuring that equitable governance remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s long-term climate resilience and sustainable development.