Deputy Chief Gender Monitor Unpacks Gender-Responsive Budgeting

On June 24, Members of Parliament gave approval to Rwanda's Rwf7.8 trillion national budget for the fiscal year 2026/27 following revisions to the Budget Framework Paper (BFP) and reallocation of approximately Rwf400 billion towards critical areas. Also Read: Legislators advocate for data-driven approaches in gender-focused budgeting. Agriculture and animal husbandry saw significant benefits from the adjustments, gaining an extra Rwf3.08 billion. Their total allocation rose from Rwf352.55 billion in the initial BFP proposal to Rwf355.64 billion. On the same date, participants convened to explore ways to fund gender equity within agri-food systems under the topic "Accelerating Inclusive and Climate-Adaptive Agri-Food Systems via Gender-Sensitive Funding." Also Read: Equity between genders, women's rights and growth cannot be compromised. The New Times interviewed Florien Rurihose, Deputy Chief Gender Monitor responsible for integrating gender aspects at the Gender Monitoring Office (GMO), regarding how Rwanda applies gender-sensitive budgeting and tracks female involvement in farming and finance. How does the GMO track females' presence in agriculture? One of the primary duties of the GMO involves gathering information and statistics concerning the food production network. They perform evaluations focused on gender differences to make sure this knowledge guides choices, plans, budget allocations and program execution. That is fundamental to their mission. Additionally, they keep an eye on gender-conscious budget practices. To achieve this, Rwanda introduced a Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) scheme ensuring consideration of gender matters when setting up the countrywide budget. They observe how the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAGRI) along with associated bodies organize and assign funds for achieving fairness between sexes at local and regional scales. Furthermore, they offer insights back to departments, organizations, parliament, and the Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) overseeing overall strategic planning and monetary management. Another crucial element of their job entails performing collaborative gender reviews. Such inspections occur together with governmental divisions, state entities, commercial firms and others involved in agrarian supply chains. They evaluate the extent to which sex disparities have been incorporated into laws, rules, ventures and schemes. They check if establishments tackle concerns shared by males and females; if organizational values encourage active roles played by ladies; and what contributions lady workers bring toward decisions taken and advantages gained thereof. Moreover, they look over investment strategies, money flows, tracking procedures plus input provided by varied players aiming forward movement linked with equitable treatment inside farm industry. Since parity between male and female individuals holds importance throughout Rwandan structures, each organization should incorporate attention paid to gender dimensions effectively. Henceforth, we collaborate tightly with relevant parties offering factual proof coupled with specialized assistance parallelly working with the Department Of Gender And Family Support (MIGEPROF). What steps led to creation of those methods aimed at incorporating perspectives relating to womanhood? Both earlier Nation Wide Female Orientation Protocol and updated version released in 2021 demand every establishment to designate individual tasked exclusively dealing with problems connected with feminism. Particularly notable effort demonstrated within rural field area had resulted in assigning designated officers within MINAGRI, Rwanda Farm Animals Resource Advancement Council (RAB), and multiple farming endeavors. Efforts follow direction outlined through Gender Integration Methodology. Likewise, fifth step-by-step strategy centered upon transforming agriculture contains distinct metrics measuring femininity elements going to get observed regularly. Before accepting nationwide spending list, legislature examines it thoroughly. How does GMO guarantee inclusiveness considering feminine perspective? Supervising financially conscious actions aligned with fair distribution based on biological distinctions represents vital duty assigned to us. MINECOFIN created instrument called 'Gender Financial Report,' mandatory document needing preparation side by side standard budget submission. Organizations ought carry out investigations exploring discrepancies rooted deeply embedded societal conditions affecting majority population disproportionately impacted - often involving difficulties faced more intensely due past imbalances experienced historically. Upon completion of said examination, teams expected create measures targeting solutions using defined benchmarks supported appropriately funded sections without necessitating fresh capital infusion but rather reserving portions previously available amounts tackling discovered deficiencies. Example could involve allocating portion of construction costs meant for building water reservoirs directing certain share aiding resolution surrounding sexual disparity found internally. Our function consists of three phases initially assessing validity of GBS documents verifying thoroughness followed second stage reviewing submissions presented during legislative sessions giving professional advice afterward third phase examining actual application post-budget endorsement carrying out checks evaluating effect caused community living nearby. Which measurements utilized determining success rate tied to balanced resource distributions? Programme dedicated enhancing equal opportunity rests foundationally upon integration principles applying universally regardless particular domain concerned . Every entity determines problematic situations emerging primarily stemming form difference encountered locally then dedicates necessary means resolving such circumstances accordingly . Guidelines issued by MINECOFIN establish baseline expectations requiring focus placed onto impactful activities delivering direct service provision empowering people irrespective background accompanied programs striving improving balance situation existed prior . Role fulfilled ensures adherence meeting desired criteria ; occasionally GB statement might disapproved failing compliance . Some nations implement technique referred as ‘gender coding’ labeling expenditures explicitly tracing connection drawn contributing positively towards advancement oriented objectives. Despite potential merits inherent therein , currently nation adopts alternative method named “mainstreaming” utilizing GRB framework believing effectiveness derived enabling identification remediation gap situated uniquely within own fields . How do you oversee banking facilities influencing availability loans accessible predominantly to women ? We maintain oversight covering multitude domains encompassing official agencies corporate enterprises civic associations religious affiliated groups etc... A major undertaking initiated termed "Equality Recognition Initiative" motivating banks embrace ideals emphasizing respect dignity amongst all employees thereby cultivating welcoming environments nurturing career progression possibilities open doors leading positions whilst simultaneously developing tools strengthening self-reliance economically speaking . Regular scrutiny performed against financial markets producing comprehensive demographic summaries showcasing accomplishments reached thus far revealing persistent shortcomings indicating regions demanding improvement furthermore analyzing publications generated e.g Central bank annual report combined outcomes obtained research conducted known collectively as FinScope study compiling detailed statistical accounts pinpointing prevalent weaknesses probable reasons behind existence accompanying suggestions intended facilitating betterment processes Are you contented regarding ongoing status quo witnessed relative ease accessing loan products enjoyed mainly by females ? Positive developments noted notably arising owing technological innovations increasing accessibility financial offerings however substantial room still exists needed improvements remain unfulfilled obligations awaiting fulfillment. Percentage obtaining credits significantly lower approximating ten percent only. Majority operating informally relying small scale saving circles lacking sufficient liquidity reserves despite numerous obstacles hindering full realization include traditional customs limiting freedom autonomy sometimes even facing control exertion imposed relatives restricting personal ownership assets additionally encountering harassment discriminatory behaviors impeding smooth utilization of offered options Final thoughts ? Encouraging advancements recorded hitherto signify promising trajectory ahead although continuous collaboration imperative engaging authorities business interests international collaborators communal units alike ensure complete enjoyment afforded by enhanced financial openness broadened economical prospects ultimately realizing true vision of holistic prosperity achievable solely collective commitment spanning wide array spectrum stakeholder engagement worldwide. Keywords: Feminism, Fiscal Allocation, Ladies, Agronomy, Money Market, Accessible Participation

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Brittany Higgins Takes on New Advocacy Role Against Rising Misogyny in Australia

Brittany Higgins has taken up a new position as the executive director of the Vida Fund, signaling her first significant role following her departure from a leading PR firm after only five months.

The position at the activist organization will have Higgins concentrate on 'combating the increase of sexism and right-wing political groups in Australia'.

A previous government employee plans to start a campaign targeting Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, although her critiques will extend beyond right-wing politics.

"One Nation along with the emerging far-right is attempting to normalize sexism in a way that Australians have not witnessed previously," Higgins stated in a release.

With [One Nation MP] Barnaby Joyce advocating for this American-style conflict against reproductive freedoms, it has become increasingly crucial to mobilize and respond.

More to come.

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Leadway Empowers the Future Female Tech Leaders

The Leadway Group has once again expressed its dedication to promoting inclusivity, creativity, and the growth of female talents within the tech industry. This pledge was emphasized during the Engineer Her Future 1.0 Conference, hosted by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Lagos State Chapter, held on June 5, 2026 in Lagos.

The event gathered top female tech experts, business executives, pioneers, and promising young women, such as high school students, for discussions aimed at generating enthusiasm for tech professions and providing future female professionals with the skills, self-assurance, and motivation required to thrive in a more digitized society.

During the conference's panel discussions, Ayomide Shodipo, Engineering Lead from the Leadway Group, collaborated with other prominent figures in the field to discuss strategies for women to succeed in the tech sector, develop rewarding careers, and adopt new innovations. With open conversations and actionable guidance, the panel members inspired female students and early-career professionals to seek out possibilities in STEM disciplines and chase their goals with self-assurance.

During the event, Shodipo emphasized the significance of establishing channels that introduce young women to tech opportunities at an early age. "At Leadway, we feel that real advancement starts with offering chances for the younger generation to discover what’s achievable. Backing Engineer Her Future reflects our dedication to enabling youth, especially girls, with the motivation, visibility, and resources required to enter fields in technology and creativity. Through funding such initiatives, we're helping individuals achieve their dreams while also aiding in building a more open, varied, and forward-thinking labor force in Nigeria."

Leadway's support for Engineer Her Future 1.0 demonstrates the Group's wider dedication to promoting programs that enhance education, creativity, young people's growth, diversity, and the advancement of women. With its woman-centered network, Herssured, Leadway has established key alliances with projects led by women like She Leads Africa and Heels and Tech. These joint efforts seek to offer women the tools, chances, and supportive conditions required to succeed in different areas of life. By consistently offering platforms that uplift women, Leadway continues to focus on fostering long-term societal and financial progress.

Leadway Group stands among Nigeria's top non-financial institutions offering various financial services, including insurance, investment management, retirement plans, health care, and additional monetary solutions designed to assist both people and companies in reaching their objectives. Having built up an experience of more than half a century, Leadway continues to focus on creativity, quality, and generating benefits for clients, collaborators, and local areas.

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