Employees of Equity Bank Rwanda on Tuesday, March 8, joined small scale women traders in Nyabugogo to celebrate the International Women Day.

During the event, over 100 women who operate businesses with in the trading complex commonly known as Inkundamahoro in Nyabugogo were urged to take advantage of the available financial solutions to grow their businesses and inspire even more women.

Christine Nyirumuringa, the Women Banking Manager at Equity Bank said they are committed to supporting women to grow their businesses which she says has a direct trickle-down effect on families.

"Over the years, we have worked closely with women across different segments like corporate, SME, and retail,” she said.

Christine Nyirumuringa, the Women Banking Manager at Equity Bank hands over a gift to one of women enterpreneurs operating in Inkundamahoro.

In addition, Nyirumuringa said that Equity Bank has established a Women Banking desk at each branch across the country to further facilitate women’s personal and business financial needs.

"Women banking products and services under Equity Bank include financial training for entrepreneurs, women savings groups and we are currently working a different loan structure for micro and small business owners that will allow them to borrow at a lower interest rate,” she explained

According to Nyirumuringa, the bank has consistently made efforts to support and facilitate the micro and small business segment because of the critical role it plays in the country’s economy.

Equity Bank officials interact with women.

Monica Byukusenge, the head of Duterimbere, the women traders’ cooperative at Inkundamahoro hailed this initiative and urged other women to join Equity Bank.

"We are happy to celebrate this day with Equity Bank…it is a good bank for us in the micro business segment yet not all our members are banking with them,. We are encouraging them to join,” she said.

Last year Equity Bank was welcomed by The Africa Banker 2021 as the leading Bank in Rwanda for the second time in a row.

The award recognized institutions that have risen to the challenge and supported businesses to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and come out stronger and more resilient.

Meanwhile, Equity Bank on the same day celebrated its staff members who have continuously challenged gender biases within the workplace and in their communities.