• 📅 October 30–31, 2025
• 📍 M Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda

Energy Private Developers (EPD) participated in a two-day workshop organized by the Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) in collaboration with the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB). The workshop focused on advancing gender-responsive water governance and climate adaptation under the framework of the Climate Action Africa Program (CAA), Initiative 118: Stocktaking of Gender Mainstreaming Baselines and Strategies Among Water Users and Water Resources Stakeholders.

Workshop Objectives

The workshop aimed to:

• Strengthen women’s leadership in water governance and climate action

• Review and enhance RWB’s gender integration strategies

• Share innovative approaches supported by the Climate Action Africa Program

• Build cross-sectoral connections to advance Rwanda’s climate resilience agenda

These objectives were aligned with the RWB Corporate Strategy (2021–2030) and Rwanda’s national commitments under the Gender Policy (2021), Water Law, and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Participation and Representation

The event brought together over 50 participants from public institutions, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Institutions represented included:
RWB, RCCDN, MIGEPROF, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Energy Private Developers (EPD), GIZ, In Exchange, Climate Action Africa, and the Government of Canada.

Special emphasis was placed on engaging women professionals working in water resource management across various sectors.

Key Highlights from the Workshop

The first day centered on policy foundations and field realities, featuring discussions on Rwanda’s Gender Policy, NDCs, and Water Law in relation to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Presentations underscored the importance of women’s participation in water governance and highlighted leadership gaps at local levels.

The second day focused on community engagement and strategic planning, including practical tools for bridging policy with grassroots action, a case study from Senegal, and a climate finance primer by Mark Redwood. Group sessions culminated in drafting key components of the RWB Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan.

Key Outcomes

• Drafted components of the RWB Gender Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan

• Strengthened institutional collaboration across the water and energy sectors

• Enhanced understanding of gender-responsive tools and climate finance mechanisms

• Developed actionable recommendations for integrating gender in Rwanda’s water governance frameworks

Recommendations and Next Steps

Participants recommended finalizing and validating the Gender Strategy through broad stakeholder input, institutionalizing gender-responsive tools in RWB’s planning cycle, and reinforcing monitoring frameworks for gender outcomes. Continued capacity building and inter-agency collaboration were emphasized as vital to scaling inclusive climate adaptation practices.

Conclusion

The workshop reaffirmed Rwanda’s leadership in gender-responsive climate adaptation and emphasized the need for inclusive approaches in achieving sustainable water management. EPD remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality, inclusive governance, and climate resilience across the energy and water sectors.