What should be done to encourage women to start up businesses?

According to the Rwandan tradition, the woman is only good to be a house wife and doing the backyard roles that come with it. However, the last few decades have seen women invade male-dominated spheres like business. Business Times’ Ivan Ngoboka was on the streets to find out people’s views on what can be done to encourgae more women to join the world of entrepreneurship:

Monday, April 08, 2013
Jovia Umwiza

According to the Rwandan tradition, the woman is only good to be a house wife and doing the backyard roles that come with it. However, the last few decades have seen women invade male-dominated spheres like business. Business Times’ Ivan Ngoboka was on the streets to find out people’s views on what can be done to encourgae more women to join the world of entrepreneurship:   Jovia Umwiza, fashion designerThe government and concerned NGOs should double efforts in training programmes to equip women with business skills and knowledge. This will help many woman gain the confidence to venture into business.Norman Gabiro, studentKeeping the girl child in school is the best way of empowering women in business. It is hard for an illiterate woman to manage a business despite the fact that she may have the capital to start it. Robert Gahini, marketerIf the government instituted many women co-operatives in all districts across the country, this will increase the ratio of women to men in business. Gloria Mutoni, bankerA sensitisation drive to eliminate cultural stereotypes about women on work would come in handy. For instance, there is a general perception that construction work is reserved for men and is a taboo for women.