BPR Bank Rwanda management on Thursday, March 7, committed to being champions of inclusivity and progress, within the financial institution and in the communities it serves.

This was as the bank held a customer’s international women’s day forum in Kigali attended by customers, other guests, associates, partners, banking industry professionals, as well as women entrepreneurs trained in the BPR Biashara club.

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Especially designed for business people in Rwanda, the bank’s Biashara Club provides a platform for business growth through solutions and advisory services. Members can access virtual and in-person networks, training on essential skills for business growth, and preferential services.

During the event, Patience Mutesi, the Managing Director of BPR Rwanda, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and their steadfast loyalty.

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She said: "BPR Bank is committed to being champions of inclusivity and progress, both within our organization and in the communities we serve. We recognize the unique needs and aspirations of women and are dedicated to providing the support, resources, and opportunities necessary for your success.”

While highlighting notable advancements but also recognizing the path ahead, Mutesi underlined the significance of carrying out ongoing efforts towards gender equality. She emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all women.

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"On this International Women's Day, let us celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. Let us stand united in our pursuit of progress, and inclusivity,” Mutesi added.

The customer’s international women’s day forum was themed "Inspiring inclusivity and accelerating progress.”

During a panel discussion, various women in different sectors talked about their journeys and the support they got from BPR.

Over the past 30 years, women like one of the panelists and Papeterie la Frontene's owner, Collette Mukantayombya, have learned a lot.

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"I want to start by congratulating the country on its long journey toward granting a woman the right to speak, teach, and sit on a panel. Women used to labor in the yard for their husbands and children in the past.” Mukantayombya said.

The panel discussion was followed by the awarding of the women who attended the Biashara Club trainings.

Jeannette Umutoniwase, the founder of Inzira Dreamz Network, a social enterprise that manufactures affordable African handmade bags, clothes, and shoes, was one of the panelists. She also expressed gratitude towards BPR for sponsoring her business through the IGIRE program, a youth scholarship program.

"BPR gave me the money I needed but they also offered me emotional support and followed up on my progress in my entrepreneurial journey," Umutoniwase stated.

Nicole Bamukunde, the Managing Director of Vatel Rwanda, a hospitality and tourism school in Kigali, noted that one of the top three drivers of economic growth is tourism and that, as a nation, "we were lacking in human capital.”

She said: "Vatel is here to prepare the next generation of women to make a career out of the hospitality and tourism management sectors, both domestically and internationally.”

For Mireille Karera, the Managing Director of KORA Associates, an international consulting and coaching company, having women from various corporations together to celebrate and have conversations on International Women's Day is incredibly powerful.

"I want to imagine that a business club can also have women business angles, so you get more intake into more women partaking because when you have clubs or associations, you can have tangible output that can be measured," Karera pointed out.