Kigali – 26 November, Women for Women Rwanda (WfW-Rwanda) held its Finance Fair: “Threads of Growth”, bringing together women-led cooperatives, financial institutions, export agencies, and government partners. Organized during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the event emphasized how economic empowerment can strengthen families, enhance women’s agency, and help reduce gender-based violence across communities.
WfW-Rwanda is implementing an 18-month project titled “Strengthening Women-led Cooperatives in Rwanda”, launched in September 2024. The project works with women-led cooperatives in Gasabo and Nyaruguru Districts to enhance their competitiveness and increase members’
incomes through capacity building, value chain strengthening, and improved access to finance and markets.
According to Olive Uwineza, Project Coordinator at Women for Women Rwanda, the Finance Fair was designed not only to strengthen women’s financial capabilities but also to address the social dynamics that fuel gender inequality. She explained that the organization focuses on helping women, especially those from rural areas, build confidence and shift mindsets that limit their growth.
“This event was prepared to help us study what truly supports women to develop and stand tall,” she said.
Olive added that their work extends to men as well, noting that engaging husbands in training sessions helps foster harmony at home. “We don’t only train and raise awareness among women; we also include their husbands to make the transformation easier for both sides.”
Among the testimonies shared, Uwizeyimana Jonas, a resident of Bumbogo Sector in Sedobya Cell, stood out for his candid reflection on personal change. He admitted that before receiving training, he often looked down on his wife and shut down her opinions, especially when he had been drinking. “I couldn’t care about buying domestic animals, yet my wife could do that,” he said.
“I used to think that my wife stole money from me.” Through the knowledge he gained, Jonas said he underwent a major mindset shift, one that not only improved their relationship but also significantly strengthened their family’s financial situation.
“Threads of Growth” symbolizes how each woman’s progress (through improved skills, market access, and financial inclusion) contributes to a stronger fabric of economic resilience.
The fair also featured contributions from Uwatwembi Florence, a Gender Mainstreaming Specialist at the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB). Florence underscored the importance of aligning cooperative activities with national and international standards while ensuring gender inclusion in production processes.
“When both women and men understand both the technical requirements and their rights within the value chain, they operate more effectively and position themselves for greater opportunities in competitive markets.” Uwatwembi highlighted
For cooperative members, the fair offered practical learning and future direction. Murere Donatha, president of Imboni Cooperative a group engaged in vegetable farming and exporting green beans from Gasabo District, said the event was transformative.
She noted that the fair helped her grasp not only issues related to gender balance but also the steps her cooperative must take to expand its export readiness. “We learned how to produce goods that meet international standards,” she said. “This will boost the quality of our products and increase our competitiveness compared to what we used to bring to the market.”
The “Threads of Growth” Finance Fair served as a reminder that empowering women with knowledge, skills, and market access while engaging men as allies creates stronger families, stronger cooperatives, and ultimately, stronger communities.
