Women in Rwanda were living in extreme poverty with limited access to funding their small projects.
However with different policy aiming at eradicating poverty among women, the image of women in Rwanda is dramatically changing.
About 2000 women across Rwanda gathered in Kigali to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Duterimbere an organization that started empowering Rwandan women since 1987 starting with 29 women in Rwanda.
Mukamana Claudine, a mother of 3 said that she used to survive only on donations, however, after joining a local women cooperative her home life has improved.
“I am sure I can now buy a cow by using the money that I got since I joined our local cooperative” .
It is in this regard of empowering women that Rwanda joined other countries in developing world and launched a Programme for the Development of African Women Entrepreneurs (AWEP) Rwanda Chapter.
According to President of Duterimbere, Mrs. Umubyeyi increased entrepreneurship among Rwandan women will reduce the vulnerability of women.
“Money that women are given are not to overcome all of their problems. The problem will be resolved by an income generating activity,” she noted.
Susan Fine, visiting Director of USAID’s East African Affairs Office, gave congratulatory remarks on Rwanda’s significant progress in fighting poverty among women.
She said the United States will continue to support women in Rwanda to become entrepreneurs.
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