Inspiring journeys – from a cooperative leader empowering women with disabilities to an entrepreneur who turned Rwf5,000 into a thriving enterprise – captivated the audience during Bank of Kigali’s International Women’s Day celebration. The event, held on March 13 in Kigali, under the global theme “Give to Gain,” brought together about 200 women from different departments and branches of the bank for an afternoon of inspiration, networking and reflection. It included reflection on leadership, resilience and expanding economic opportunities for women. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali to honour women customers with month-long empowerment activities Speaking during the event, the bank’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Flora Nsinga, praised the contribution of women across the institution. “Across this institution, women serve as chiefs, managers, officers and professionals at every level,” she said. “We lead, drive innovation, support customers and help move this organisation forward every single day.” She added that women at the bank also balance demanding professional responsibilities with roles in their families and communities. “Many of you are mothers, sisters, daughters and mentors. Balancing these responsibilities while continuing to excel at work is no small task, and today we celebrate that strength.” The event featured panel discussions and testimonies from women entrepreneurs and professionals who shared their experiences with younger employees. ALSO READ: BK celebrates Women’s Day with emphasis on empowering women in banking Stories of resilience and growth Among them was Annick Uwamahoro, who shared her experience of leading a cooperative of women with disabilities in Kabeza. The 21-member group engages in knitting, hairdressing, and tailoring—skills Uwamahoro first learned after she began living with a hearing and speech disability earlier in life. Despite the speech impairment at a young age, she said learning tailoring helped her build a livelihood and later support others facing similar challenges. “Where we work, when someone with a disability comes to us, we welcome them, advise them, and support them,” she said, describing how her cooperative offers free training to others including those who beg or sell on roadsides, helping them form cooperatives in their own communities. Perhaps the most striking story of the afternoon came from Zulfati Mukarubega, founder of University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) and a veteran entrepreneur whose business journey began in 1983 with just Rwf5,000. She used the small sum to open a four-table breakfast restaurant in Nyamirambo, walking daily between Gikondo and Nyamirambo to keep it running. “I feel like I am still 32 years old,” she said, speaking to the determination that sustained her through decades of growth. ALSO READ: Bank of Kigali Connects with Women Entrepreneurs Through Women Financing: A Collateral-Free Loan Solution With the help of a $3,000 Bank of Kigali loan, Mukarubega expanded into importing fabrics from Italy, then furniture from Dubai, eventually supplying Parliament in 1999. In 2006, inspired by the courage of Inkotanyi women, she founded a school. Today, what started with five students has grown into an established hospitality institution. “You have the capacity to achieve whatever you put your heart into,” she told the gathering. “Always think about the innovation you can bring into your work to stand out.” Supporting women-led businesses through tailored financing solutions Anne Marie Igiraneza, a relationship manager in the bank’s SME department, spoke about how the institution supports women entrepreneurs. She said Bank of Kigali has introduced special loan opportunities for women-led businesses that do not require collateral, helping them overcome barriers that often prevent them from accessing financing. “Many women are still hesitant to approach financial institutions because they believe they do not yet have the capacity to provide collateral,” she said. “These loans help them gain confidence and grow their businesses.” According to Igiraneza, the programme has been running for four years and has already shown visible progress, with many women entrepreneurs expanding their businesses after accessing the loans. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, applauded the dedication of women within the institution. “We show up every day despite the responsibilities we carry in our families and communities,” she said. “We come and give our best, and that is what makes BK great.” She pledged continued support for women at the bank, saying the institution remains committed to creating an environment where women can grow and thrive professionally.
