The program aims at preparing women for career advancement while achieving balance and success in their personal lives.
Launched in 2022 by Gate Consulting Group, a Rwandan firm specializing in leadership training, coaching, and strategic advisory services, LiftHerUp is a flagship initiative that equips women in the workforce with the skills needed to compete for leadership positions, prepares female university graduates to confidently enter the job market, and supports women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.
The LiftHerUp Women Professionals Mentorship Program is a nine-month training and mentorship journey that brings together accomplished women leaders and male allies who champion gender equality, ensuring participants gain both practical skills and diverse perspectives.
Participants are selected through a competitive application process, with organizations nominating high-potential female employees. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling participants to balance their professional responsibilities alongside the training.
This year marks the second collaboration between Gate Consulting Group and Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR), an organization committed to advancing gender equality in the financial sector.
The fifth cohort, launched on March 18, 2026, is the largest to date, bringing together over 130 women from more than 20 organizations, supported by 40 experienced mentors. So far, the program has impacted 730 participants in 5 years.
The launch event featured insights from distinguished leaders, including Aïssa Touré, Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group in Rwanda; Judith Muhongerwa, HR Strategist and Founder of Agile People Pro™ (UK); and Pierre Kayitana, Country Director of Zipline Rwanda. Their contributions set the tone for a powerful and impactful journey ahead for participants.
Salma Habib Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group and founder of the program, highlighted the program’s growth and impact over the past four years.
“Many women who have gone through this program have advanced in their careers because we prepare them for leadership roles. They now have the skills to excel in those positions,” she said.
She also noted that while the program has made significant progress, growing from an initial cohort of 30 participants, it aims to expand its reach beyond Kigali to support more women across Rwanda.
Participants in the fifth cohort have already expressed strong expectations for the journey ahead.
Umuringa Iriza Lucille, an employee at the Development Bank of Rwanda, shared that her experience at the launch highlighted the importance of working with structure and direction, not just effort.
“I expect to gain knowledge in decision-making and leadership. I want to ask questions, learn from my peers, and grow professionally. I am confident this experience will help me advance in my career,” she said.
Janet Ishiywe, who works at One Acre Fund Rwanda, said that doing the work alone is not enough; what really matters is keeping outcomes at the forefront when advancing your career.
She added that confidence in professional spaces comes from staying curious and continuously consuming a wide range of content, which helps you fit into different rooms and contribute meaningfully with your own perspective.
Kirabo Ritha, who works at Andersen, also shared that seeing that most of the trainers are capable women gave her confidence that it is possible. She added that she looks forward to learning from their experiences and how they overcame challenges
By the end of 2025, LiftHerUp had already trained over 600 women and girls, including 102 graduates from that year alone.
As the program continues to grow, it remains a key driver in empowering women across Rwanda, equipping them to break barriers, lead with confidence, and thrive in their respective fields.
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