Rwanda’s secondary cities—Rusizi, Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Muhanga, and Huye—are set to benefit from green and gender-sensitive public spaces designed to improve urban resilience and inclusivity. According to Alex Gashaija Mugabo, Coordinator of the Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) at the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), these spaces will prioritise opportunities for all, particularly women and mothers. ALSO READ: Rwanda launches Climate and Nature Finance Strategy to spur private sector financing The initiative aligns with a recent grant agreement that was signed between the Government of Rwanda and the German Development Bank KfW. The agreement secured €20.97 million (approximately Rwf30 billion) for the project, which seeks to enhance urban biodiversity, mitigate climate risks, and improve quality of life. Green public spaces are urban outdoor areas featuring natural elements like grass, trees, and plants. They serve as recreational, social, and environmental hubs, helping communities adapt to climate challenges such as heat, flooding, and erosion. Examples include parks, gardens, landscaped plazas, and greenways. ALSO READ: Kigali Green City Project receives Rwf 10B investment Gender-sensitive design in urban spaces The project places a strong emphasis on gender-sensitive designs, tailoring these spaces to meet diverse needs. Features such as breastfeeding areas, child-friendly zones, and well-lit, secure environments ensure inclusivity and accessibility for women, children, and marginalized groups. “In Nyagatare, for instance, the green public space will be located near the hospital. This will provide mothers with babies a safe environment for breastfeeding, childcare, and play areas,” Mugabo explained. ALSO READ: UK firm to develop Kigali green city master plan He added that low-income female vendors and elderly women will benefit from cooling spots and flood-resilient infrastructure, reducing the impacts of extreme weather events. Tackling GBV in Public Spaces Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a core aspect of the project. Data from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion reveals GBV prevalence rates of 41-60% in Huye, Muhanga, Nyagatare, Rwamagana, and Rusizi, with some districts exceeding 60%. To counter this, the design of these spaces includes paved walkways, security guards, proper lighting, and fencing, ensuring safety for all users. Consultations with local communities reinforced the importance of locating these spaces in accessible, secure areas. Multifaceted benefits Beyond safety and recreation, the spaces will host facilities such as public toilets, playgrounds, community meeting spots, and simple vending stalls. These features aim to empower low-income women through economic opportunities like park management, vending, and access to micro-credits. The spaces will also foster community interaction and cultural activities while supporting climate resilience through water harvesting and flood mitigation. Mugabo emphasised the need for mobilising start-up capital and training to enable women to fully benefit from the project. “Each city will have unique designs reflecting local needs. For example, Muhanga’s spaces might differ significantly from those in Nyagatare,” he said. A report from the World Bank in 2023 revealed that only 32% of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects globally are gender-informed. Rwanda’s project aims to close this gap by focusing on gender equity and addressing vulnerabilities faced by women, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. A vision for resilient cities This project represents a significant step forward in urban development, balancing environmental sustainability with social inclusion. By focusing on gender-sensitive designs and addressing climate risks, the secondary cities will set a benchmark for holistic urban planning.
