Access Bank Rwanda on Wednesday, March 8, joined the rest of the world to mark the international women’s day, in a move it said intended to "recognize women for their outstanding contributions in society.”
For Access Bank Rwanda, the day is, ordinarily, a reminder that women should embrace equal opportunities such as their male counterparts.
On Wednesday afternoon, for instance, several members of the firm’s top management were seen putting aside their supervisory roles to celebrate women at the Bank by awarding them gifts.
According to Prossie Kalisa, Executive Director of Retail and Digital Banking at the Bank, this year’s theme "DigitAll, Innovation for gender equality” could not have been better.
"Happy Women’s Day first of all to all the women around the world. As Access Bank Rwanda, an organization that prides itself as the most respected African Bank, we do recognize women for their outstanding contributions in the society that we all serve in.”
She added, "More often women have dominated low-skilled jobs earning low wages and creating gender pay gaps, but we are progressively seeing more women being valued.”
On this day, Kalisa pointed out, that we are reminded of our collective responsibility, to forge an equitable inclusive and diverse world.
"By doing so we can help create an enabling environment that supports women from all walks of life.”
Why breast cancer screening
"In a particular way for this year’s celebration we want to show women that we care. Because we believe that there is also that space we are creating. Breast cancer screening is among the activities that we intend to conduct as we celebrate our women. In a special way we want to recognize women to show them that we care in collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).”
Data from the RBC indicates that on average, at least 650 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Rwanda, the majority of whom succumb to the illness.
Breast cancer is also still the most common among cases recorded in the country, followed by cervical cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer and liver cancer.
"Even after being a victim of breast cancer, there is also that step of how do you now save your life other than stigma,” Kalisa told The New Times.
Olive Birungi, one of the participants at the event, who is also the Human Resource Manager at Netis Rwanda Ltd commended the initiative, citing that women, her included, had the opportunity to learn about breast cancer but also give support to others suffering from the disease.
She added that at a time when women need more awareness about breast cancer, initiatives such as early screening should be scaled up.
"Hopefully, we (Netis Rwanda) can also conduct the same exercise next year or even before the year ends.”
Thirty years ago, people around the world were dying from breast cancer and knowledge surrounding the disease was limited, but according to Birungi, initiatives such as those of Access Bank are stemming the tide.
"It is a simple procedure which could be conveniently done even here at the office. This also raises hope for survival, by providing support and credible information on the need for early detection, access to quality care and treatment.”
More activities in the pipeline
In addition to the aforementioned event, Kalisa said that the Bank is planning an exhibition from March 9th to 10th for both their existing women Customers and women from other institutions.
"These are exhibitions of Made in Rwanda products that will be showcased at the car free zone. In that way we also support SMEs, women-led businesses that are currently being empowered by different financial institutions.”
Kalisa also hinted at the Bank’s plan of introducing a loan product where clients will be facilitated to access loans without necessarily needing collateral, as part of the efforts to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).