A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) and the African Union (AU) established, with the support of the European Union, the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) Centre in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District, Rwanda in 2019. In August 2024; UNCT, jointly with DPs, had the opportunity to visit and engage in a globally unique multistakeholder refugee protection response mechanism While running their shop in Sudan, Abdallah and his wife Babeker, together with their three children, never imagined that they would one day become asylum seekers. “I was living a simple life, thinking of the future of my family, of my children” Abdallah recounts to members of the UN Rwanda Country Team during their field visit to Bugesera District on 30th August 2024. The joint UNCT field visit serves as an opportunity for the Team to gain a greater awareness of the purpose of the ETM in Rwanda and needs of refugees and asylum seekers evacuated there. As well as to better understand the complementarity of UN interventions in Rwanda and how UN joint programmes can relate to the population hosted at the ETM. The arduous journey of Abdallah’s family from Sudan to RwandaWar erupted in their homeland in 2023, and Abdallah’s family was forced to flee Sudan leaving everything behind. In search of safety, they took a long and exhausting journey crossing the Sahara Desert on their way to Libya. But safety was nowhere to be found. They faced gunfire, bandits, and constant threats along the way, with no relief even as they made it into Libya. “In the Sahara, I faced a lot of challenges and troubles with my little children,” the 31-year-old father recalls. His wife Babeker adds that “the journey was very difficult. But there was no other solution but to leave Sudan.” After registering with UNHCR in Libya, the UN Refugee Agency, Abdallah and his family were eventually evacuated to Rwanda through the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM). Following months of uncertainty and hardship, they arrived at the ETM Centre in Gashora in November 2023, hoping for a fresh start and a safer future. The transit centre in Gashora, with capacity to accommodate 700 evacuees at a time, was established in September 2019 by UNHCR, the Government of Rwanda and the African Union, with the support of the European Union. Since its establishment, over 2,400 refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Mali have been evacuated from Libya. "Rwanda has welcomed us as refugees and done so much for us. It opened its doors to us," Abdallah points out. “When we arrived here in Rwanda, we felt the safety, security, and stability.”Asiya, a Somali lady evacuated from Libya to Rwanda, shares similar feelings to those of Abdallah.“We are currently living a life that is much better than the one we had in Libya, where we faced extremely low living conditions and trauma,” she explains. “Since arriving here, we have been able to restart our lives with new hopes, and we have been given the opportunity for resettlement. We have been welcomed warmly, and today we are living a good life.”While evacuees temporarily remain in Rwanda after being evacuated from Libya, UNHCR provides shelter along with access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and livelihood training. This support, made possible through Denmark's steadfast assistance and a strong partnership with the European Union (EU), aids evacuees during the processing of their files and identification of long-term solutions, including potential resettlement to third countries."For instance, Abdallah says he started learning and practicing English, while others are involved in various activities such as computer courses, driving lessons, weaving, and knitting. They also offer beauty salons and hairdressing training, among others.As Abdallah and his family await resettlement to the USA, he hopes for a better future for them. “My dreams and hopes are to see my family – my children and my wife – living a happy and prosperous life,” he shares. “I want my children to learn and study so they can contribute to the society they live in. I wish for each of them to pursue their dreams, whether it be becoming an engineer, a doctor, or anything else.”

In a remarkable stride towards gender equality, Rwanda has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to gender parity in its latest 2024 legislative election results. The percentage of women’s representation in the Chamber of Deputies increased from 61.3 in 2018 to 63.8 per cent of seats in 2024. According to the Constitution, at least 30 per cent of the lawmakers in the lower house must be women. That means that the percentage quota allocated to women corresponds to 24 MPs as the Chamber of Deputies has a total of 80 members. Other special categories include youth and people living with disabilities and for the first time, people living with disabilities are represented by a woman.This achievement not only cements Rwanda’s status as a global leader in women’s representation but also underscores the nation’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. These figures are more than just numbers; they reflect the country’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. UN Women proudly acknowledges and commends this significant milestone, which serves as an inspiring example for countries around the world.Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), particularly in political participation, leadership and other sectors. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Rwanda together with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa such as Namibia and South Africa, along with 13 other countries, have closed more than 70% of the overall gender gap, the sixth- highest among the eight regions at 68.2%, ranking above Southern Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.Beyond the legislative arena, Rwanda has also made significant strides in achieving gender parity within its executive branch, further showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to creating a balanced and inclusive government. By ensuring that women are represented at all levels of governance, Rwanda is not only promoting equality but also fostering a government that is reflective of its diverse population.Rwanda’s achievements in gender parity are not just a result of political will but also the outcome of comprehensive policies and programmes designed to support women’s empowerment. The country’s efforts to implement various initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics, including gender quotas, capacity-building programmes, and awareness campaigns, have been instrumental in creating an enabling environment where women can thrive as leaders and decision-makers.“When women are included in decision-making processes, policies and legislation are more likely to address the needs and concerns of all citizens, leading to more inclusive and effective governance. Rwanda’s example demonstrates that gender parity is not only achievable but also beneficial to society as a whole,” said Mme Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative. “As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of achieving gender equality, Rwanda’s success story offers valuable lessons. It highlights the significance of political commitment, the implementation of gender-responsive policies, and the need for sustained efforts to break down barriers to women’s participation in leadership,” she added.UN Women supports the government to strengthen global norms and standards for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and mainstream gender perspectives in other thematic areas, leveraging its role as a convenor and contributing to efforts to repeal discriminatory laws and policies. It works with key partners such as the National Gender Machinery comprised of Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, National Women’s Council, Gender Monitoring Office and Rwanda Women MPs (FFRP) to ensure that all women and girls can fully and equally participate in decision-making, and can benefit from gender-responsive laws, policies, budgets, services, and accountable institutions.In conclusion, UN Women extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rwanda for its extraordinary progress in advancing gender equality and stands ready to support and collaborate in furthering these efforts, ensuring that gender equality continues to go beyond numbers to impacting the lives of women and men, families and communities as well as the society at large.

A new joint initiative called Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade, virtually launched on October 11, is set to economically empower Rwanda’s small-scale cross-border traders, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, through digital inclusion and regional integration. The programme is supported by contributions from the European Union and the Government of Spain under the United Nations SDG Digital Transformation Funding Round, and implemented by Participating United Nations Organizations (PUNOs) involving the International Trade Centre (ITC) as lead implementing agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), which plays an oversight and coordination role, ensuring the delivery of a unified 'One UN' approach. “While developing good policies is essential, it is key that those policies be adapted and translated into effective services. Rwanda has already demonstrated that digital transformation can be fast-tracked, and this programme builds on that progress, empowering thousands of small-scale traders to access new markets and services through user-centric, digital solutions” said Ms. Ndèye Aissatou Masseck Ndiaye, Resident Coordinator ad interim during the virtual launch of the Joint Programme. The new programme is a key component of the UN Joint SDG Fund’s Digital High-Impact Track designed to harness digital innovation, data analytics, and emerging technologies to drive sustainable development. By leveraging these tools, the programme aims to maximize its impact, providing small-scale cross-border traders access to digital platforms, financial services, and new markets, to improve their livelihoods and promoting inclusive economic growth. With women representing over 70% of small-scale cross-border traders, the programme places a strong emphasis on gender equality and on empowering female traders as agents of social and economic transformation. It focuses on dismantling barriers that hinder women’s participation in digital trade, providing them with access to digital tools, financial literacy training, and market opportunities. By prioritizing gender-sensitive, digital policy reforms and digitally empowering cross-border traders, the Amplifying Digital Opportunities in Cross-Border Trade programme aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST-I and II), SMART Rwanda Master Plan and Vision 2050. The ADO-CBT programme also directly contributes to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) Agenda, advancing Rwanda’s integration into regional markets. Through enhanced digital infrastructure and policy harmonization, the initiative promotes smoother cross-border trade, improved logistics, and greater economic cooperation between Rwanda and its neighbours. At the launch the European Union highlights the importance of supporting digital transformation efforts in the Great Lakes Region.“We really are in the best possible position to achieve this goal in Rwanda – which has already emerged as a regional, and indeed, global leader in the field of intra-regional trade and migration policies, and which has already laid out clear plans to accelerate its own digital transformation journey” EU Head of Cooperation in Rwanda, Michela Tomasella, noted. By investing in digital solutions, the ADO-CBT programme aligns with global development objectives, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals. 

Improving the quality of education is one of the five key priorities outlined in Rwanda’s new Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Education and digital connectivity are also transformative entry points or key transitions that can have catalytic and multiplier effects across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As UN Rwanda develops the new Cooperation Framework, aligning with the country’s priorities and global needs to accelerate the SDGs is critically important.When it comes to blending quality education with digital connectivity, UN Agencies in Rwanda, together with partners, are walking the talk. Take the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education programme as an example, which empowers students, teachers, and families to learn online in Rwanda. It is lunchtime at Nyarubuye Primary School and ecstatic screams fill the school yard as the children have fun. The grounds are alive with green-clad students engaging in different activities; some play football, some tag, and some swing on the low branches of small trees that spot the compound. Friendly and curious smiles from the active students add warmth to an already sunny day in Rwanda’s Rwamagana District.Eric, 13, is one of the students playing football. He deftly leaps and dribbles as his opponents on the field attempt to steal the ball. One succeeds, and Eric takes a break, panting and smiling. His joy and enthusiasm are palpable, and it so happens that he carries the same positive attitude to class.“I love attending classes. I ask many questions during the classes, which makes my friends laugh and they tease me, but I don’t mind,” he says cheerfully. “I come from a poor household. My parents aren’t always able to afford my school fees, but the school always finds a way to keep me here, so I always try to make the most of it.”Eric’s inquisitiveness allows him to be always among the top five in all subjects, and he expects to perform even better now that his school has undergone an internet transformation. Through UNICEF’s inter-regional partnership with Airtel, “Reimagine Education”, thousands of schools across 13 countries in Africa are being connected to the internet. More than half of primary and secondary schools in Rwanda are not connected to the internet, limiting, 21 schools are already using the internet provided by Airtel, with 200 more to be connected soon. In Nyarubuye Primary school, teachers and students could not be more ecstatic.“Internet is expensive. It is tough to afford internet bundles daily,” says Theodomir Gatete, an English teacher at Nyarubuye who has been in the profession for 20 years.The internet was installed at this school two terms ago. Since then, Theodomir feels more confident in the quality of the education he is now able to give to his students.“When I prepare lessons, I can research and find current, relevant, and detailed information that benefits my students. I can also access resources that demonstrate to me different and innovative techniques of teaching them certain topics, which I then practice with my students” he explains.He can now search exactly what he is looking for and browse the options for the best resources available. From textbooks that are not available in hard copy to tutorial videos for children, a wealth of information is now at his fingertips, ready to be shared with his students. As an English teacher, one of the internet’s main applications in his classroom is in improving vocabulary and pronunciation.“English is not our mother tongue. Even as a teacher, I can get things wrong. Whenever I am unsure of how a word is pronounced, I can easily search for the proper way to pronounce it and play it for my students too. My own vocabulary and pronunciation have significantly improved,” Theodomir acknowledges.For new teaching approaches, he adopts techniques from different videos on YouTube and other social media platforms. “I learn from people like Teacher Andre Kerlin on TikTok. Since I am from a French-speaking background, he helps me grasp certain concepts better, which allows me to teach them better,” he says, smiling as he taps his phone screen to play a video of a young man, adding, “I also borrow his fun and passionate approach, and my students love it!”Eric agrees. He thinks lessons have become more interesting and informative since their school was connected.“Nobody knows everything,” says Eric, adding, “Before our school was connected, sometimes I would ask questions for which the teacher did not have an immediate answer. In such a case, I would have to count on my teacher to remember to look for an answer after school, which they often forgot because they are busy people.”When faced with these situations, Eric would try asking a relative who is a teacher elsewhere to hopefully get an answer. When he did, Eric would also have to remember to share the answer with his classmates. But now, if the teacher doesn’t know the answer, he can immediately look it up on his mobile phone and inform the whole class.The impact of the internet goes beyond the classroom too. The head teacher is responsible for frequently updating the School Data Management System (SDMS), which is online. The system records real-time data for 777 students and 20 teachers, including student grades and attendance, and is used to request money to run the school. Before, when an information request would come to him, to make an entry, he would have to travel to a location with an internet connection.“I don’t have to do that anymore. I am connected from morning to evening, and can respond to any urgent requests,” says Seth Mugisha, Nyarubuye Primary School’s head teacher. “And when the connection cuts off, we call a technician provided by Airtel who immediately resolves the issue,” he adds.The internet spills over into the households surrounding the school too. Alphonsine Muhawenimana, a parent of three, lives right next to Nyarubuye Primary School, which her children attend. She counts it a blessing that the internet connection enables her to always access learning material for her children, benefiting them both in and out of school.Currently, the school does not have devices that students can directly connect through, so they must rely on the content from their teachers. However, after school and during holidays, students who live close by bring their parents’ mobile devices and connect, keeping their learning journey alive.Through the Airtel-UNICEF partnership, students, teachers, and caregivers across Rwanda can now access up to nine educational platforms at no cost when using an Airtel sim card. These include the e-learning platforms for Rwanda Basic Education Board, Rwanda TVET Board, Rwanda Polytechnic, and University of Rwanda. Itetero is also accessible free of charge, not forgetting the recently launched e-learning hub for young people entering the job market, Ingazi-Passport to Earning. School administrators and teachers can also freely access the SDMS, the Teacher Management Information System, and the NESA Comprehensive Assessment Management Information System.The future of education in Rwanda is bright. With continued investment in internet connectivity and innovative learning platforms, students like Eric will have the tools they need to reach their full potential. Through this unprecedented partnership, Airtel and UNICEF are bringing learning resources ever closer to children, families, and communities.