Women for Women International, yesterday, conducted a literacy campaign in Kayonza District as part of the activities to mark the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). GEW is arguably the world’s largest celebration of innovators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth, and expand human welfare. In Kayonza, over 150 women were trained by various financial institutions and exposed to available financial opportunities under the auspices of Women for Women. Teddy Kaberuka, the deputy director Women for Women Rwanda, said GEW will inspire people through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. He said many activities are lined up, including networking gatherings to connect participants to potential mentors and investors. “Women for Women ensures that women are gaining enough exposure to existing financial opportunities that will enable them boost their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” he said. Women for Women Rwanda was established in 1997 and covers six districts with a membership of 66,000 women. This year’s celebrations are being held at the Women Opportunity Centre, a place for rural entrepreneurs to incubate businesses, gain new skills, and transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. Bosco Murangira, the head of economic development for women at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, said the government was committed to supporting women across the country. Oliva Yanfashije, 33, one of the beneficiaries of the training, said it was high time women started working with banks to help boost their small businesses. The mother of three owns a small business and earns at least 150,000 a month. “Even small businesses like me can access bank loans. I thought it would need a lot of money to even open an account. The training we got from bank officials will benefit many more women,” she said.
