Rwanda Capital Markets Authority links women’s financial inclusion to stronger capital market growth at Ring the Bell event

Rwanda Capital Markets Authority Chief Executive Officer Romeo Ngarambe, speaking at the 12th Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event in Kigali, argued that expanding women’s access to financial opportunity and capital markets can support broader market development and economic progress. He said greater participation by women as investors, entrepreneurs and leaders can help grow businesses, expand savings, channel investment into productive sectors and widen wealth creation. Drawing on the experience of a rural microfinance institution, Ngarambe pointed to reported welfare and stability gains when women receive credit, and said inclusive capital market development requires more than regulation, including strong investor protection, sound governance, financial literacy, targeted investor education and products that reflect people’s circumstances. The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, called for action to reduce violence and discrimination, close gender pay gaps and remove barriers to women’s access to resources, and urged institutions including the National Bank of Rwanda and the Private Sector Federation Rwanda to develop a Vision 2050-aligned roadmap for women’s economic empowerment. The event was organised by the Rwanda Stock Exchange with the UN Global Compact, UN Women and the International Finance Corporation under the annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign.