Some women from the Jabana Sector in the Gasabo District have expressed that the vocational skills they were taught by the Women for Women Rwanda organization have transformed their lives. They commend the Government of Rwanda for continuously seeking the well-being of its citizens and promoting women's empowerment.
On August 29, 2024, 95 women from Kadashya Cell proudly graduated from the Women for Women Rwanda’s 12-month "Stronger Women, Stronger Nation" program, a transformative journey that has equipped them with essential skills in well-being, market-oriented entrepreneurship, tailoring, weaving, and more.
Throughout the year-long program, these women gained not only practical skills but also the confidence to make decisions, support their families, and lead healthier lives. The training covered a broad spectrum, including hygiene and sanitation, family planning, human rights, and gender-based violence prevention. Empowered with knowledge on how to combat stunting through balanced nutrition and how to run small businesses, these women are now poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Marie Anne Mukasine, a graduate from Mubuga Village, Kidashya Cell, shared her inspiring story of transformation. "Women for Women Rwanda helped me emerge from isolation, and today I stand as a financially stable woman, no longer dependent on others for support," she said. "I used to struggle without an income to help my husband, but now we work together and achieve so much."
Giséle Niyonkuru, also from Mubuga Village, echoed this sentiment, describing how the program helped her rise above hardship after being abandoned by her husband with two children. "I started with just 7,000 Rwandan Francs by selling vegetables, but now I have grown my business and can help others as my capital has increased," she shared.
Chrystel Intaramirwa, the Head of the Social Empowerment department at Women for Women Rwanda, lauded the Rwandan leadership for its role in fostering family development and encouraged the graduates to fully utilize the training they received. "We are proud of your dedication and the understanding you have shown in shaping your futures. We believe the knowledge you’ve gained will lead to the development you desire," she said.
Uwera Lilian, Chairperson of the National Women’s Council in the Jabana Sector, also expressed gratitude to Women for Women Rwanda for its pivotal role in uplifting the women of Jabana. She emphasized that economic stability among women is key to reducing conflict and dependency within households.
Women for Women Rwanda remains committed to transforming lives and continues to engage in various activities aimed at empowering women across the country. The stories of these 95 graduates stand as a testament to the profound impact of this program and the possibilities that arise when women are given the tools to thrive.