With reports that only 16 percent of businesses in the country are headed by women, the World Bank and Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) have stepped up a campaign to reverse the trend. In this campaign women entrepreneurs in the country are being given tools to allow them start their own businesses.

The campaign comes after reports that 58 percent of informal businesses in the country are headed by women. A statement issued by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), on Wednesday attributes the high number of women involved in the informal sector to impediments. Some of them include limited access to managerial positions and technical skills training.

"In response to skills development gaps, we have provided for training sessions to introduce a comprehensive programme that will be delivered by the Rwanda Entrepreneurship Programme using two core IFC training packages including Business Edge and the SME toolkit,” Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank country representative  said.

Kwakwa was addressing a three-day- National Roundtable of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda at Prime Holdings in Kimihurura. The meeting was chaired by the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.

"I believe this event (meeting) will be a landmark. The very act of coming together is serious business indeed. I am certain that the outcomes of this roundtable will pave for the entrepreneurship activities of our sisters, who are willing to learn to work for economic self-reliance and wealth.

Opportunities

A report, Voices of Women Entrepreneurs in Rwanda, a publication with information policymakers that can be used to support women in business was also launched. It also featured role models for aspiring women.

According to a statement prepared by IFC, Rwanda is a leader among developing nations in creating opportunities for women.

The report says 42 per cent of enterprises are headed by women. Women are engaged in business partly because of enabling law. 

"This report serves as an inspiration for young women who are just starting out in their professional life in a challenging post-conflict environment,” Thérèse Bibonobono, Director of the Rwanda Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs is quoted by the IFC statement as saying.

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