On August 23, 2024, eighty women supported by Women for Women Rwanda gathered in Kigali alongside key stakeholders to celebrate their journey from subsistence work to sustainable livelihoods.
On August 23, 2024, eighty women supported by Women for Women Rwanda gathered in Kigali alongside key stakeholders to celebrate their journey from subsistence work to sustainable livelihoods. These women, hailing from seven districts across Rwanda, shared their stories of transformation—from being undervalued in domestic work to becoming successful entrepreneurs, with some even exporting their products abroad.
Among them is Mukamazimpaka Louise from Munyiginya, Rwamagana District, a mother who once faced challenging conditions. Today, she stands as a symbol of empowerment, confidently participating in events and proudly wearing her traditional attire. Louise credits her success to the support from Women for Women Rwanda through the “Supporting Female Entrepreneurs in Agriculture for Sustainable Development” project, which has been implemented over the past three years.
“Women for Women laid the foundation for our lives,” Louise shared. “They prepared us well and continue to provide us with training.” Her journey from subsistence to sustainable entrepreneurship is a testament to the impact of giving women the opportunities and resources they need to thrive beyond domestic work.
Marceline Mujawamariya from Kibaga in Rugendabari Sector, Muhanga District, also recounted her journey. Once a mother struggling with extreme poverty, Marceline now owns land, a home, and livestock, thanks to her involvement in pineapple farming with her peers. “We didn’t have any livestock, but now I own a cow, and I’ve even provided cows to my children,” she proudly stated. Marceline’s story highlights the power of self-confidence, agricultural training, and community support in lifting women out of poverty.
The Women’s Finance Fair and Learning Event also played a crucial role in these women's journeys. By providing a platform to connect with financial institutions, market experts, and fellow entrepreneurs, the event empowered women to scale their businesses and access new opportunities. It was a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women across Rwanda.
Rukema Ezekiel, the Head of the Economic Empowerment Department at Women for Women Rwanda, emphasized the organization’s commitment to advancing women in agriculture. “Over the past three years, we have supported women in engaging in modern agriculture aimed at the market. The results have been significant,” he noted. By helping these women access markets and connecting them with financial institutions, Women for Women Rwanda has ensured that their agricultural efforts are sustainable and profitable.
Alice Mukamugema, Head of the Department for Monitoring the Value Chain in Agriculture, Livestock, and Trade at MINAGRI, affirmed the ministry’s ongoing support for women in agriculture. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that women in agriculture progress,” she said. The Ministry will continue to provide access to land and financial management training and encourage financial institutions to offer favorable loans to women entrepreneurs.
The project to support female entrepreneurs in agriculture for sustainable development has lifted 1,440 women out of poverty, demonstrating the power of targeted initiatives in driving women’s advancement. Women for Women Rwanda remains committed to empowering women across Muhanga, Gasabo, Nyaruguru, Kicukiro, Bugesera, Rwamagana, and Kayonza districts, helping them escape poverty and build sustainable futures.