FEATURED: Equity Bank, partners launch drive to advance women’s leadership, financial inclusion

Equity Bank Rwanda, in partnership with Lead Access and AGRA, has launched a month-long initiative aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, financial inclusion and economic participation. This is in line with the celebrations of the 2026 International Women’s Day, due on March 8. Unveiled during a media press conference in Kigali on March 5, the initiative– held under the theme “Umugore Ni Uw’Agaciro – Empowered Women, Stronger Nation” – will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners and young professionals for a series of discussions and activities throughout March focused on advancing women’s opportunities in sectors such as business, technology and agriculture. Equity Bank Rwanda together with partners including Lead Access and AGRA on Thursday March 5, launched a month-long women empowerment initiative aimed at strengthening leadership, financial inclusion and economic participation in Rwanda. The programme, unveiled during a media press conference in Kigali under the theme “Umugore Ni Uwagaciro – Empowered Women, Stronger Nation,” will feature a series of activities throughout March. It will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners and young professionals to discuss practical solutions and opportunities that advance women’s leadership and participation across sectors such as business, technology and agriculture. ALSO READ: Equity Bank hosts members’ gala highlighting impact, innovation This collaboration is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for women through knowledge sharing, mentorship and access to resources. The partnership also seeks to create platforms where women leaders, entrepreneurs and young professionals can connect, exchange ideas and develop solutions that address barriers limiting women’s full participation in economic and leadership spaces. Speaking at the press conference, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda, Hannington Namara, highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing economic opportunities for women, noting that financial institutions alone cannot address the challenges limiting women’s full participation in economic development. “At Equity Bank, we believe women are central to transformation in our communities. Through partnerships like these, we are able to combine resources, knowledge and networks to ensure more women access opportunities that improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development,” he said. Namara added that empowering women remains a key part of the bank’s broader mission of transforming lives and livelihoods, particularly among underserved communities. ALSO READ: Equity Bank Rwanda urges new leadership scholars to drive change, innovation Iris Irumva, the Chief Executive Officer of Lead Access, emphasised the importance of creating platforms that recognise and support women who are already making an impact across different sectors. “Women across Rwanda are doing incredible work, but many of their contributions often go unnoticed. Through initiatives such as the Women in Leadership Summit and Awards, we aim to celebrate their achievements while also providing spaces where women can learn, grow and support each other,” she said. Irumva noted that empowering women requires collaboration across institutions and generations, adding that engaging both women and men as allies is essential in building inclusive leadership. ALSO READ: Equity Bank embarks on tree-planting drive for a greener future Speaking at the event, the Country Director of AGRA in Rwanda, Jean Pierre Ndagijimana, highlighted the need to address barriers that limit women’s participation in economic sectors, particularly agriculture, reiterating that access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs. “One of the main constraints young women face when trying to grow their businesses is access to finance. By working with financial institutions and other partners, we want to help unlock opportunities that allow women to access funding, invest in their ideas and create jobs within the agricultural sector,” he said. Ndagijimana added that supporting women through improved access to financial services and market opportunities can play a key role in driving inclusive growth while creating sustainable employment, especially for young people in Rwanda’s agri-food systems.

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FEATURED: Equity Bank, partners launch drive to advance women’s leadership, financial inclusion