BPR Bank Rwanda marked International Women’s Day (IWD) in Nyagatare on March 7 with a special celebration that also honoured the bank’s 50-year legacy. The event held deep significance as BPR Bank reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women, especially in the eastern region, where its first branch was established in Nkamba. ALSO READ: BPR Bank Rwanda marks 50th anniversary with logo unveiling, platinum branch launch To kick off the celebrations, BPR Bank’s Managing Director and management team participated in Nyagatare District’s ‘Night Run’, an initiative promoting physical activity, health, and wellness among women of all ages. The run brought together local women, district leaders, and BPR Bank customers to celebrate the strength, resilience, and vital role of women in shaping communities. Following the run, BPR Bank hosted a dinner attended by the Managing Director, senior bank officials, the Mayor of Nyagatare District, and other district leaders. Women customers also joined the gathering, which provided a platform to discuss women’s empowerment, the role of financial services in community development, and the importance of supporting women’s leadership across Rwanda. ALSO READ: BPR Bank Rwanda joins Women in Finance to advance gender equality, inclusivity Speaking at the event, Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank, noted the significance of celebrating International Women’s Day in Nyagatare as the bank commemorates 50 years of existence. “At BPR Bank, we take pride in our roots in the eastern region, where our first branch was established in Nkamba. Marking this milestone in Nyagatare is a powerful reminder of our dedication to empowering women and investing in our communities. This event celebrates the strength, resilience, and determination of women across Rwanda, and we remain committed to providing them with the opportunities and financial tools they need to succeed,” she said. Nyagatare District Mayor Stephen Gasana underscored the importance of International Women’s Day in recognising the contributions of women who continue to drive positive change. ALSO READ: BPR Bank committed to being champions of inclusivity, progress “We are deeply grateful to BPR Bank for its unwavering commitment to empowering the women of Nyagatare. Through impactful initiatives, the bank has provided invaluable support to women in our community. We will continue working together to create opportunities that enable women to thrive while ensuring their contributions are celebrated and supported,” he said. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and promoting gender equality throughout Nyagatare and Rwanda. BPR Bank remains dedicated to advancing women’s financial inclusion and ensuring that essential financial services are accessible to those who need them most.