In Jabana sector, Gasabo district on 17th August 2022, 98 women graduated from the training conducted by women for women Rwanda,
These women benefited from different pieces of training organized by Women for Women Rwanda from 1st September 2021 to date through a 12-month signature program that provides economically and socially marginalized women in Rwanda with the skills and resources needed to transform their lives socio-economically.
The trained women went through among them life skills; business, saving schemes, and vocational skills. They appreciate the support they are receiving from Women for Women and they envision playing a big role in Rwanda’s vision.
This was the opportunity given to these particular women from Gasabo district, Jabana sector, Bweramvura, and Ngiryi cells.
They were trained in different topics, including decision-making, self-confidence, and nutrition with an aim of fighting stunting, they were trained also in hygiene, family planning as well as human rights, and fighting gender-based violence (GBV). In 12 months, these women also were trained in business as well as vocational training with leather products (shoes, Handbags, etc.) and soap making.
NSHONGORE Dorcas, from Ngiryi cell, one of the women for women participants affirmed that the trained women are now self-confident, they are able to negotiate and speak in public, and they have gained a lot from the training they have undergone.
“WfW-Rwanda has completely changed my life and those of my fellow participants, through savings programs we have created 4 groups, and to date, we have saved more than 7M" in a year”
“We are no longer those women who sit down and relying on husband to take care of them, we now have enough skills to start up our own business and able to participate in the development of our household” she added.
MUKASHEMA Marie Chantal from Akinyana cell testified that Women for Women Rwanda has uplifted her to the level of being confident
“The most important thing that makes me happy today, Through VSLA, I now know how to save money, with my skills and the ability to make good shoes, next year I will be on the other level because I work with a purpose and vision,” said Marie Chantal
Beatrice Biyoga, The Executive Director of Women for Women Rwanda, argued these women make their skills of use by working with their husbands as a team.
“Let’s continue supporting the Rwanda government’s plan that’s promote the strong women, share your skills and experience with other women in your respective communities, let’s them know how the strong women should behave,” said Beatrice
"The skills you have gained, please make it a legacy" she added
UWERA Lilian the National Women's Council representative (CNF) in Jabana sector, thanked the Women for Women Rwanda for playing a huge role in the development of the women in Rwanda in general and specifically those of Jabana, she argued women to seize this opportunity as a key to success.
She reminded the women graduates that when a woman is well organized and financially stable, this reduces household conflict and the habit of pleading with the husband when it comes to money issues.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Uwera Lilian CNF/Jabana reminded women that they are not only the heart of their household but the heart of the nation. She thanked Women for Women Rwanda for taking care of Jabana's women. "I will follow up with them in pitching up their projects," said Lilian
“Instead of giving fish to women better teach them how to fish, as women of Jabana we are going to stand up and use the skills gained for the development of our homes, Jabana sector, and the country in general” she added
The executive secretary of the Jabana sector promised graduate women in the cooperative a business space in the new market under construction.