At least 24 women, over the weekend, graduated in Peace Through Business (PTB) programme. This was the fourth class to graduate under this programme.

Organised annually, the PTB programme, selects 30 women who are extensively trained in doing business.

Fifteen of the graduates are then sent to spend a month in the US to acquire additional business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

The programme has three components. The first is two -month in country training. The second is a U.S based training and mentorship. The final and most important element is the "Pay it Forward” component.

According to President and CEO of the Institute, Dr. Terry Neese, "Pay it Forward” is when finalists are expected to grow their businesses, employ more women, and impart to the other women what they learned through training and mentorship.

In her address, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, told the ladies that they represent the hopes and dreams of many and are commended for their hard work.

She praised the "Pay it Forward” efforts of previous graduates and the vital impact they are making to the development of the nation.

She also recognized the efforts of President Paul Kagame, for prioritizing gender equality.

 The PTB programme is sponsored by the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women based in Oklahoma, U.S.

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