KIGALI - In a bid to protect pregnant working women, the Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR) is planning to introduce Maternity Insurance.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the Director General of SSFR, Henry Gaperi, said the scheme will help to reduce possible discrimination against female employees when applying for jobs.

"This will reduce employers’ assumptions on an employee’s intentions or ability because of pregnancy,” said Gaperi.

"Some employers are reluctant to employ females because they (employers) always have in mind the double expenses they will incur when replacing them with temporary employees while on maternity leave.”

He revealed that with the new insurance scheme, female employees will continue getting their full salaries and avoid the risk of losing their jobs while on maternity leave.

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