From street vendor to successful entrepreneur

Before her journey with Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-Rwanda) began, Mutoni faced immense challenges. As a widow and mother of two, she found herself struggling to make ends meet, reliant on street vending to provide for her family. But amidst the hardships, she enrolled in the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations (SWSN) programme, WfW-Rwanda's flagship, 12-month Social and Economic Empowerment programme, and immediately her hopes for a better future were raised. As a graduate of the SWSN programme, Mutoni went on to become a programme participant in the project funded by the Julius Baer Foundation. 

WfW-Rwanda entered Mutoni's life as an inspiration of opportunity. Selected as one of the most vulnerable women in her community, she embarked on a transformative journey with us, eager to seize the chance to change her circumstances. Through our training programme Mutoni discovered her passion for agri-business, a seed planted in her heart, ready to blossom into something extraordinary.

As Mutoni herself recalls, "During the training, they taught us that women have the power to change their lives by opening their minds and getting ready for well-planned work." With these words echoing in her mind, Mutoni took decisive action. Joining the Tuzamurane Gatenga cooperative, she found strength in solidarity, accessing resources and support previously beyond her reach.

Mutoni secured a loan, through her Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) group, to kickstart her vegetable business, a venture that would change her life forever. With her newfound knowledge and determination, she cultivated carrots and green amaranth, carving a path toward financial independence.

But Mutoni's journey didn't end there. With the support of WfW-Rwanda and our partners, she dared to dream bigger. With a loan from the sector Bank SACCO, Mutoni expanded her farming enterprise, venturing into tomato cultivation, a decision that would lead to unexpected opportunities.

As Mutoni fondly recalls, "The first harvest I met two Koreans from Glory Bible Presbyterian Church. They loved my tomatoes and asked if they were coming from my farm." Through strategic negotiation and dedication to her skills, Mutoni secured a contract with the church, propelling her business to new heights.

Today, Mutoni stands as an example of hope and inspiration in her community, her dreams stretching far beyond the confines of her past struggles. She envisions building a modern house, a sanctuary of comfort and security for her family. Additionally, her entrepreneurial spirit leads her to aspire to purchase two cars for a driving school, a venture that promises to create additional income streams and empower others in her community to achieve their dreams.

As she shares with conviction, "My fellow women, open your minds, fear nothing because you are capable. Start small, with determination you will grow big."

Mutoni's journey—from street vendor to successful entrepreneur— is a testimony to the transformative power of WfW-Rwanda's programme. Through her resilience and determination, she has rewritten the narrative of her life, proving that with opportunity and support, anything is possible.