Growing social and environmental concerns have propelled firms to adopt socially responsible initiatives. Rwanda is one of only two Sub-Saharan African countries to accomplish all of the health Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). By and large, the goal emphasises domestic policies and efforts, resulting in significant access to services and human development.
- Xylem Rwanda collaborates closely with its suppliers to adhere to and advocate ethical business practices.
- DLA Piper contributed to the UNAIDS Report on the HIV regulatory framework in Rwanda.
Outstanding socially responsible businesses in Rwanda
The Ethics and Reputation Research Study by the African Public Relations Association (APRA) recognised Botswana and Rwanda as Africa’s Most Ethical Countries. In this article, we will consider some of the firms that have contributed to improving socially responsible initiatives in Rwanda.
1. MTN Rwanda
MTN Rwanda, through its Connect Women in Business (CWiB) initiative has assisted 56 women’s organisations, both monetarily and through business acumen training. Essentially, Connect Women in Business works to empower women in their different projects so that they can contribute to sustaining their livelihoods.
MTN Foundation is the platform through which MTN implements its CSR programs. Essentially, the firm prioritises education, youth and women empowerment, and environmental activities.
2. Bank of Kigali
Bank of Kigali works to empower the community in which it operates to ensure its long-term growth and success as a company. For this purpose, the bank devotes a part of its overall operating budget to community service yearly.
By and large, the bank’s CSR interventions have sponsored various past initiatives, youth-led groups, and projects. Bank of Kigali established and equipped a menstrual hygiene room at Ngeruka Primary School in Bugesera District’s Ngeruka Sector. Also, the bank funded an NGO dedicated to educating youth about the Tutsi Genocide while assisting vulnerable survivors.
3. GTBank Rwanda
Gtbank Rwanda collaborates with nonprofits and charitable organisations that share its basic values to ensure lasting change across host communities. In 2012, the bank joined the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative on Sustainable Development. Hence, GTB supports sustainable development, sustainability management, and public awareness.
Also, the bank is an organisational stakeholder in the Global Reporting Initiative to promote research and development in sustainable reporting.
4. Airtel Rwanda
Airtel Rwanda, through its numerous initiatives, has tremendously impacted the lives of the communities in which it operates. Also, the network continues to foster grassroots football through its Airtel Rising Stars football competition.
Airtel is known for sponsoring reading materials and planting trees in several districts of Rwanda through the monthly Umuganda events.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Airtel employees participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Also, the business provided cell phones to the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa to boost breast cancer awareness by reaching out to people in villages. In addition, Airtel assists girls in technology by providing internships to brilliant young ladies with a passion for technology.
5. DLA Piper
DLA Piper is dedicated to improving the well-being of its working communities. Hence, through its world-class pro bono programs, lawyers within the organisation deliver about 220,000 hours of free legal services each year.
DLA Piper’s pro bono work focuses on the Rule of Law and Access to Justice. This also includes high-impact children’s justice projects and support to UNICEF under its child rights partnership. In addition, the pro bono program assists governments and selected NGOs to facilitate access to justice and development in Africa and beyond.
6. Garda World
Garda World is committed to undertaking high-impact community projects that sustainably benefit local communities. Likewise, the firm participates in several self-led and partnership-focused programs, primarily in healthcare, education, and sport.
GardaWorld Africa signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration, which allows the firm to join the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the movement of unlawful wildlife goods.
7. Rhino Africa
Rhino Africa undertakes its socially responsible initiatives through its foundation’s three pillars: Africa’s wildlife, wild lands, and people. Likewise, CSR efforts are geared toward supporting and strengthening community and environmental initiatives.
In addition, Rhino Africa has a long history of collaboration with Khumbulani Day Care Centre. Khumbulani, which serves as a haven for 300 HIV-infected and impacted children, began quietly in Gloria Bebeza’s two-bedroom home in 2000. Also, the organisation developed a strategic collaboration with The Wildlife ACT in 2012. Essentially, the goal is to assist, fund, and support their team of devoted conservationists working to save endangered and threatened wildlife.
8. Asa International Rwanda
ASA Rwanda provides small loans to low-income female company owners to help them establish or grow their firms. In addition, the organisation undertakes its activities in the Nyamagabe District as part of its initiatives and commitment to giving back to the community. Primarily, the company provided community-based health insurance to low-income households, with over 700 beneficiaries. Also, the corporation settled the medical bills of 13 families at Kigeme Hospital.
9. Xylem Rwanda
Xylem Rwanda collaborates closely with its suppliers to adhere to and advocate ethical business practices that benefit the environment, global economy, and society. Hence, the firm holds its vendors to the same high ethical standards. As a result, all vendors are expected to follow its Supplier Code of Conduct.
In addition, water, sanitation, and hygiene are critical components of health and safety throughout the firm’s supply chain. Through the WASH Pledge, Xylem has set a new benchmark for motivating suppliers to take action on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
10. Safari Center
Safari Centre adopts a socially responsible initiative that ensures a significant budget is set aside for various projects annually. By and large, these projects include sponsorship, community involvement, environmental awareness, and responsible advertising.
Also, the Safari Centre aids the government in various projects such as Girinka and Bye-bye Nyakatsi, which aim to eradicate poverty in the country. The firm actively participates in local government programs and events and has received a certificate of distinction from Kicukiro District.
Conclusion
To sum up, socially responsible initiatives provide an effective way to influence the factors of a company’s competitiveness. This includes advantages in risk management, cost reduction, access to financing, customer interactions, human resource management, innovation capacity, and reputation.
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