Today the world marks the International Workers’ Day with employers, employees and policy-makers taking time to reflect on their collective effort (or lack thereof) to make the world of work a better place.

As is the case in many other countries, Rwanda will use the opportunity to examine the state of employment and unemployment, especially for the youth, seeing as it plays a crucial role in not only delivering the desired economic development but also securing the country’s future.

The government has invested a lot of effort and resources in getting the young people into jobs but the challenge is far from over as many youths find themselves in a state of underemployment or on the street altogether, with thousands graduating every year.

There are several initiatives such as Hanga Umurimo, Agakiriro, Kuremera, among others,which seek to create jobs and, subsequently, wealth across the country. Whether these schemes will deliver as expected remains to be seen but they have created excitement among the target groups, especially the youth and women, with some beneficiaries already reaping the benefits.

There is also the education and training front, which has seen government initiate and roll out a series of reforms, including last month’s inauguration of the new schools curriculum, which officials say is competence-based and responsive to the labour market demand.

This is in addition to the introduction of a streamlined technical and vocational education and training programme which empowers learners with hands-on and competitive skills.

These efforts are by no means an end in themselves. It is up to all the stakeholders, including the beneficiaries, to work hard to ensure that these reforms indeed deliver the intended objectives – which are jobs and wealth.

At 3 per cent, the rate of unemployment in Rwanda (and 7 per cent in urban areas) may not be as dire as the situation in many other countries. However, as many as a third of employed Rwandans are underemployed, according to the Minister for Public Service and Labour. That means that a large number of the country’s workforce work below their potential with less pay.

That does not only affect the underemployed but also deprives the economy. As such, there is need to step up efforts to reduce both unemployment and underemployment. One way of ensuring faster and better results is better coordination, constant assessment and follow-up, and creating clear linkages between education/training and the labour market.

The May Day is also an occasion to reflect on workplace conditions; we need to critically look into issues of compensation (particularly the longstanding issue of minimum wage), safety, health, gender equality, maternity rights and other work-related rights.

We must all endeavor to create a healthy working environment for more productivity.