NCBA Rwanda has been recognised by the Rwanda Gender Monitoring Office for establishing a gender-equal working environment in the workplace.

They received a Gold certification for showing strong dedication to gender equity in the workplace through their policies, practices, and culture.

"Gender parity is a business imperative, not a nice to have,” said the chief executive officer of NCBA, Lina Higiro.

"It is a very significant achievement in the quest for gender equality to see gender diversity now recognised as a strategic issue that impacts business outcomes,” she added.

This is already the standard at NCBA, she affirmed, and it has resulted in high levels of engagement and, eventually, 100% annual growth of the business.

ALSO READ: NCBA’s Lina Higiro on new women foundation to push for parity in finance sector

The event that took place on Thursday, March 30, at the Kigali Serena Hotel, saw nine other companies and public institutions honoured with the Gender Equality Seal Certification Awards.

They include the National Bank of Rwanda, National Industrial Research and Development Agency, Ministry of Trade and Industry, CIMERWA Pls, INKOMOKO, SINA GERARD Enterprise (Nyirangarama), Mata Tea Company, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Legacy clinics and Kitabi Tea companies.

ALSO READ: Breaking barriers: NCBA Bank Rwanda creates space for women in technology

The gathering was organised by the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) in cooperation with the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), with support from the United Nations Development Program and UN Women, in honour of International Women’s Day 2023.

They held the second certification of 10 institutions that have made significant progress in bridging gender gaps, as well as recognised the fourth cohort of two private companies that completed their gender equality diagnosis exercise and developed gender equality action plans as part of their commitment to closing gender gaps.

Rose Rwabuhihi, Head of the Gender Monitoring Office, congratulated the certified organisations and said, "You are awarded today for your exceptional commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace. But it doesn’t end here. Keep doing the work and let’s keep having more inclusive and equitable workplaces.”

The first-ever National Gender Standards was also launched as established requirements for ensuring workplace equality.

ALSO READ: Leading women in Rwanda’s banking sector

These standards are intended to complement the National Bank of Rwanda’s Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for Financial Institutions and the PSF Gender Chamber’s Entrepreneurship Desk.

They are expected to boost employee satisfaction, efficiency, and innovation, as well as better the organisations’ reputation and brand image.