Who Is Your Idol?

For Helene and Goretti, their teachers and trainers are idols.

Those people who provide them with skills and knowledge, in other words - the power to change their lives.

Helene is a Rwandan farmer who has recently joined the Stronger Woman, Stronger Nation by Women for Women International programme. Through the programme, she is learning modern agricultural practices that can help her increase the quality and quantity of her harvest and boost her income. The programme also connects micro-entrepreneurs with seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors, who share their knowledge and provide support.

Goretti is one such mentor who started with livestock keeping and quickly climbed the ladder to become a successful carpentry business owner and employer.

Two strong women, at different stages of their business journey, who were empowered through upskilling, building their confidence and collaboration.

In Perspectives #2, we’ve asked them for their personal view on some essential aspects of life: health, happiness, dreams... and who their idols are.

About

Helene

Uwitonze

Helene is a 47-year old mother, who participates to Women for Women Rwanda Stronger Women Strong Nations programme.

She is working very hard so that her 4 children will be able to access good education and attend different schools to get graduated.

Helene is a farmer who also joined a bee-keeping cooperative to learn more. Through the programme, she is focusing on applying modern agricultural practices that can help her increase the quality and quantity of her harvest and boost her income and prospects.

Helene is also practicing some livestock keeping. She believes that having passion for agriculture and livestock keeping will become profitable for her, her family and the whole community.

About

Goretti

Nyinawabahizi

Goretti, a mother of 10, is an Rwandan entrepreneur who has reached an exciting stage in her business journey. She started by raising livestock and engaging in handcrafts in her community, and through Women for Women ‘Stronger Women, Stronger Nations’ programme, she quickly climbed the ladder. Today she owns a successful carpentry business in the eastern province of Rwanda, Kayonza District, giving work to local employees. The carpentry house gives her enough income every month. So she has plans to expand her business and create at least 2 other branches.

Goretti believes that having self-confidence and never giving up is a fundamental part of a successful entrepreneur especially when it comes to women.

About Women for Women International, Rwanda

See how Women for Women International and the Julius Baer Foundation are empowering women, boosting entrepreneurship and tackling wealth inequality in Rwanda through upskilling, collaboration and access to market.

Learn More