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Serrah Galos
WOMEN FOR WOMEN RWANDA
Improving the personal and economic well-being of Rwandan women micro-entrepreneurs through comprehensive training and socioeconomically diverse collaborations that create access to start-up capital.
-1.9438946772446, 29.88043595
OUTPUT
Over 1,400 women have graduated from Women for Women Rwanda's flagship entrepreneurial education programme.
OUTCOME
A total of 67 women comprising three agricultural cooperatives have successfully accessed new buyers and export markets through the project.
HIGHLIGHT
Two networking and financial fairs were held. These introduced participants to key stakeholders, including funders, exporters and policymakers. Twenty business plans were honoured with cash awards to invest.
Rwanda must be regarded as a model of how great human trauma can be transformed to commence true reconstruction of people.
Our Commitment
The Julius Baer Foundation's and Women for Women International's joint effort reduces wealth inequality by strengthening the Rwandan female entrepreneurial ecosystem:
- It connects women micro-entrepreneurs at the bottom of the income ladder with potential partners at the top to share resources and knowledge.
- It helps micro-entrepreneurs and their mentors develop mutually beneficial business opportunities that grow and leverage entrepreneurial skillsets.
- It develops women's skills as effective negotiators and influencers.
- It enables access to markets.
- It facilitates supportive networks and connections to potential sources of private and public capital via funding competitions with angel investors.
Women for Women International equips marginalised women in conflict-affected countries with skills to build secure futures for themselves, their families, and their societies.
Since 1997, Women for Women has worked with nearly 80,000 Rwandan women in a twelve-month socioeconomic empowerment programme that focuses on:
- earning and saving
- rights and decision-making
- health and wellness, and
- growing support networks
The Julius Baer Foundation has made it possible for 1,440 graduates of Women for Women International’s flagship programme in Rwanda to grow their micro-businesses. Graduates have:
- completed extensive entrepreneurial training,
- joined Village Savings and Loans Associations, and
- started micro-businesses independently or collaboratively.
Project milestones include enabling:
- 1,485 seasoned entrepreneurs, private and public market- and finance stakeholders, and new women micro-entrepreneurs to form a collaborative business network in Rwanda.
- 480 women micro-entrepreneurs to access local and national business opportunities.
- 200 women micro-entrepreneurs to access financing opportunities and specialised feedback on growing micro-businesses.
- 20 businesses to attract funding from investors.
- a policy paper to be written, with recommendations for cultivating a more supportive business environment for women entrepreneurs.
From unsung economic heroes...
Women in Rwanda have long been a significant force in the country's economy. But despite significant government efforts and progress, gender discrimination continues to undermine women's entrepreneurial activities. Women still struggle to move beyond provision of modest extra income and sustenance to their immediate families.
...to acknowledged breadwinners.
Women for Women Rwanda is helping female entrepreneurs obtain the skills and connections necessary to formalise their economic activities and step out of the shadows. Over time, the programme is building an ecosystem of profitable businesses powered by rural women.
Become a Changemaker
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Some truly meaningful ways that you can support Women for Women International’s work in Rwanda include sponsorships, donations, purchases in their online shop and volunteering.
