Ruhango women form cooperative

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA – Women in Ruhango District have been asked to promote the cooperative societies in a bid to improve their social welfare. Governor Fidel Ndayisaba made the remarks while inaugurating a women’s cooperative (Kira Ishema ry’abagore), in the district early this week. Ndayisaba, who promised to support women’s activities, asked cooperative members to invest in agriculture and livestock farming. The cooperative has over 150 members drawn from across the district. It aims at empowering rural women by uplifting their financial status. Petronila Mukakalisa, the National Women’s Council coordinator in Ruhango, disclosed that each member is obliged to contribute Rwf10,000 towards the cooperative activities. Mukakalisa added that Ruhango women have previously received loans from the province, and encouraged members to invest in income generating projects. Kira Ishema ry’abagore cooperative was started in Muhanga District in 2007 by women leaders from the province, and it has since spread to other districts in the area. Ends