MUHANGA- Women in Mushishiro Sector in Muhanga District Thursday formed the first and only women’s cooperative.

Berwa Munyarwanda Cooperative was formed with the assistance of Cyeza Sector women’s cooperative and will focus on promoting women micro-economic activities such as tailoring, basket weaving and crafts.

During a pre-launch meeting held at the sector offices, the women agreed that each will be required to contribute Rwf5000 as membership fee and mobilization will be done ahead of the official launch on November 20th.

They also elected its top leadership and monitoring committee, who will reach out to the community and ensure growth of cooperative activities.

The newly elected chairperson, Seraphina Nyirakanani, said that the cooperative had long been awaited and that it was a fundamental step to promote women towards development.

The sector leader, Sixte Mungarakarama, said lack of a women’s cooperative had been a major setback to their progress and participation in development programs.

"This is a major step taken and the sector will assist the women to process legal papers, provide office facilities and advocate for support for their activities.”

He revealed that women make up 52.4% of the sector’s population (20,796 residents) and the cooperative will consolidate women’s activities which have been scattered and disorganized.

One of the members, Console Mukaburasa, said that most women are committed to the cooperative and women’s efforts will be put to fruitful use.

"Most of us have been waiting for this day, and we are ready to work for the growth and progress of women just as it is done in other communities.”

Ends