A project that will help women start income-generating activities has been launched by Bralirwa and Coca-Cola. 

The ‘5 by 20’ project aims at promoting entrepreneurship among needy, rural women. 

Mercy Mbochu, the 5 by 20 project co-ordinator, said the women were given six free crates of different Coca-Cola products and a fridge to start small soft drink businesses in their localities.

"We will keep supporting you to grow the businesses because we believe that your contribution to national and family development is essential. 

"We believe in you…you are going to create jobs for other women, your brothers and husbands; you are going to change your household and improve your livelihood,” Mbochu noted.

Over 50 women, selected from across the country, were the first beneficiaries. The women were trained in business management. 

Hope Tumukunde, the City of Kigali vice-mayor, noted that empowering a woman is to support the entire family. Tumukunde observed that most women would want to start businesses, but lack money. "Others are discouraged by the high loan rates charged by commercial banks.” 

Jonathan Hall, the Bralirwa managing director, said the project will help reduce poverty, especially in the rural areas. 

"By supporting women to do business, we are contributing towards the realisation of the country’s Vision 2020,” he added.

Odette Nyiransengimana, 26, from Gakenke district, said the project would improve her life and business prospects as she already had a small canteen.