SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — Women in the country have been urged to utilise the guarantee fund set up by government to improve their economic status.

Speaking during celebrations to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8, in Tumba Sector, MP Henrietta Sebera said that the quest for gender equality should start with economic empowerment.

She said: "Government has set aside over Frw200million in the Rwanda Development Bank to guarantee women access loans from banks easily. You should seize this opportunity and improve your economic status."

Henrietta revealed that recent survey shows that the guarantee fund is only benefiting women in urban areas.

She called upon women in rural areas to come together in cooperatives to enable them access loans to a tune of Frw10million.

Speaking at the same occasion, MP Francois Munyurangabo urged men to campaign against abuse of women in all its forms.

He decried the small number of women accessing bank loans, saying it undermines their economic empowerment.

Songs, dance and a march by women and pupils highlighted the ceremony.

The district mayor, Aimable Twagiramutara, commended different women groups in the district which have come together in cooperatives. He committed Frw40 000 to an association of women, mobilising fellow women to join cooperative societies.

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