The resources will support targeted initiatives to empower women in rural communities, while addressing gaps in other critical sectors.
The plan was officially launched on February 4, 2026. UN Women has already secured $3.5 million, or about 55% of the required funding.
Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative in Rwanda, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with various institutions to bridge existing gaps.
She noted that agreements have been signed with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Equity Bank, and I&M Bank, alongside collaboration with various government agencies.
This strong governmental backing, she explained, provides a foundation for identifying opportunities for further collaboration to continue advancing women's empowerment.
Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, reaffirmed the government's long-standing commitment to partnering with UN Women.
She stressed that, amid global economic pressures, unified efforts among stakeholders are essential to propel initiatives that deliver real benefits for Rwandans, attracting further support along the way.
UN Women focuses globally on advancing women's rights through leadership development, economic self-reliance, and efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
In Rwanda, the previous 2020â€"2025 strategic period delivered significant results where over 85,000 people received training on gender-based violence prevention while more than 35,000 survivors (including 26,570 women and 8,876 men) accessed support services.
Furthermore, UN Women has helped 9,000 women obtain loans, trained over 24,000 individuals in economic empowerment, and supported 3,000 women in establishing their own small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, commended the country's notable advancements in women's rights and leadership.
He emphasized that future efforts should prioritize inclusive economic growth with women at the center, aligning with Rwanda's ambitions to reach middle-income status by 2035 and high-income status by 2050.
While international support from the UN, other organizations, and financial partners remains valuable, Ozonnia said, building a robust domestic economic foundation will be crucial for long-term success.
UN Women first began operations in Rwanda in 1996 as UNIFEM and was rebranded as UN Women Rwanda in 2010.
Its ongoing mission centers on advocating for gender equality, empowering women, and combating violence against them, positioning the agency as a committed partner in Rwanda's development journey.
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