Kigali, March 18, 2025 – BRALIRWA Plc, Rwanda\'s leading beverage company, marked International Women\'s Day with a celebration highlighting the achievements of women in its workforce and the company\'s ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity in the manufacturing sector.

Under this year\'s global theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, the company showcased key initiatives that have set the pace for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace, with a strong focus on increasing women\'s participation in the industry.

As the longest serving brewery in the country since 1957, operating in the manufacturing sector that has traditionally been dominated by men, BRALIRWA Plc has taken intentional strides to change this narrative where women now make up 50% of the management team, with also a significant increase in the number of women working in supply chain functions.

"Over the past years, we have doubled the number of women in our workforce, with many now holding key positions across all functions. We have been very intentional in implementing progressive policies and initiatives because we believe that our teams and our company will thrive if we combine performance, inclusion, and diversity,” said Laetitia Uwera, Human Resources Director at BRALIRWA.

As part of the HEINEKEN Company, BRALIRWA offers its female employees unique access to global leadership development programs, such as international assignments and the Women Interactive Network (WIN) among others. Female talents are also given the opportunity to join the ‘Lift Her Up’ program by Gate Consult, where participants benefit from a nine-month mentorship program focused on leadership growth and professional development.

According to Ethel Emma-Uche, BRALIRWA Managing Director, this year\'s theme is a reminder of the need to speed up effort to improve our gender balance as well as striving for an inclusive and equitable workplace.

"As a consumer company, we recognize that diversity is critical to our success. Our products serve a broad customer base, and a diverse workforce ensures that we better understand and meet their needs. Gender inclusion is a priority, and we are committed to expanding opportunities for women at all levels,” said Ethel.

One of the company’s standout policies is its enhanced parental leave where women are given 18 weeks of maternity leave and men receive 14 days of paternity leave, as a bid to support employees in their work life balance.

As BRALIRWA continues to champion diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector, the leadership ascertains that creating opportunities for all enhances business performance.

"As we accelerate action, we must look beyond gender and embrace diversity in all its forms because when we create equal opportunities for all, we unlock better business outcomes and a more sustainable future for everyone,” said Ethel Emma-Uche, BRALIRWA Managing Director.