Cogebanque on Tuesday, March 8, joined the world to celebrate the annual International Women’s Day.

Globally, the day was fêted under the theme: "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” The bank, among others, celebrated the day by recognizing women employees at headquarters and various branches.

During the event organized by Cogebanque to celebrate its female employees, Emmanuel Mugandura, Chief Financial Officer of Cogebanque, commented that the financial institution is committed to support women in the business sector. It disclosed plans to introduce special loans for women.

Mugandura said: "As Cogebanque, we are happy to recognize our lady colleagues of whom the progress we have made would have been difficult or even impossible. We have made deliberate efforts to support, promote and facilitate women.”

Being an equal opportunity employer, we take pride in incorporating diversity and inclusion awareness and policy into our practices. A diversity and inclusion policy that promotes inclusion, programs aimed at empowering women, and policies that are specifically geared to remove obstacles to development are just a few of the ways we are working to close the gender gap. This is crucial to follow in order for Cogebanque plc to create harmony and unity within our community, Mugandura added.

Mugandura said that women play a big role in a bank’s development.

Generally, he said, they are outstanding and they must be celebrated and recognized.

As a message to the women, he commended them on their daily contribution towards the country’s development and urged them to work hard as well as impact society because they are able.

Mugandura noted that around 48 percent of Cogebanque employees are women and the number is expected to increase in the future.

Alice Yvette Muturwatiro, who works in the department of Digital Banking and E- channels, thanked the bank for celebrating the female employees and said that being a woman in technology, especially in such an institution, women are capable just like their male counterparts.

Muturwatiro pointed out that working with Cogebanque, for seven years, is proof that women can do their job well and deliver on their home assignments well. Furthermore, she urged women to embrace as well as use the opportunity and the trust they have been given in various sectors.

According to Redempta Ingabire, Information Technology Manager at the bank, the country has come a long with the development of women in general and especially in technology.

Ingabire reminded the women that they are skilled and can do everything and all they have to do is believe in themselves as well as work hard. She pointed out some outstanding women who have done wonders in world history and commended the country for playing a remarkable role in gender equality.

Ingabire reiterated the fact that women are capable just like their male counterparts.

"In some fields such as IT you might find males triple the salary of their female counterparts, something which discourages someone, among others,” she said.

John Mutamba, a gender expert, gave remarks during that event and noted that not investing in women is a loss to the country. He commended Rwanda for believing in and investing in women.

Mutamba emphasized the role of technology and innovation in the development of women in general along with what has to be done to keep gender equality increasing, saying that, currently, the country is on the right track.

During the event, the bank recognized the women who started with the bank, among other activities.

ABOUT COGEBANQUE

Cogebanque Plc, a Rwanda-based commercial bank, which started in 1999, licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda.

It is one of the fastest growing banks in Rwanda and today has 28 branches, over 600 agents, and 36 ATMs across the country. These are supported by Mobile banking (USSD on *505# and Mobile App "Coge mBank”), Cards (Mastercards, Smart cash and SafariBus), SchoolGEAR and internet banking delivery channels accessible through different media.

Cogebanque has been serving Rwandan industries for over 23 years with innovative services to its customers and has positively influenced the Rwandan economy. It provides a comprehensive range of products and services targeted at corporate, SMEs and retail customers.