The Liberal Party (PL) has pledged to advocate for increased financial support to women small-scale and cross-border traders if elected to Parliament in the July elections. This commitment, they said, is aimed at enhancing their contribution to family and national development.

Rwanda has made notable progress in financial inclusion over the past 15 years, with the rate of access to formal financial services rising from 21% to 77%. However, the gender gap remains at 7%, higher than the global average of 5%.

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The pledge to empower women and improve their access to finance was made during the party&039;s campaign rallies in Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts on Wednesday, July 3. These districts host numerous women small traders, including cross-border traders.

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Christine Niyonkuru, a Rusizi resident who exports yogurt to neighboring countries, emphasised the need for increased financial support to boost export volumes and income.

"I can export between 30 and 100 bottles of yogurt to DR Congo per day. With more capital, our export volumes and income could increase. Finance from banks to women should be increased," she said.

The PL manifesto promises to support women's development and aims to ensure women occupy at least 30% of decision-making positions in public and private institutions as well as non-governmental organisations. The party also plans to focus on research to improve gender equity and equality in national development.

Adrie Umuhire, the Secretary General of the Liberal Party, highlighted the importance of women's development, gender promotion, and gender equality in national progress.

"Women in Rusizi District, for example, have become self-reliant due to empowerment initiatives. We need to continue advocating for projects and initiatives that create jobs and generate income for women," she said.

Umuhire noted the party's commitment to enforcing laws that promote women's development and welfare, adding that cross-border women should become professional business people instead of engaging in smuggling.

Thabee Nyiransengiyumva, another Rusizi resident, called on parliamentary aspirants to ensure women's rights are upheld in all economic sectors. She highlighted the progress made under incumbent President Paul Kagame's leadership, which has seen women gain rights to land, education, and leadership positions.

Alphonsine Nyiraneza, a resident of Kamembe Sector, shared her personal experience of overcoming domestic abuse due to laws advocating for women's rights. She is now involved in a small maize retail business and seeks more capital to expand her venture.

The Liberal Party, which has 54 parliamentary candidates, is supporting the RPF-Inkotanyi's candidate, incumbent President Paul Kagame, in the presidential race.