Exemplary women entrepreneurs to be awarded

As part of the celebrations to mark Women and Girls Month in Nyabihu District, a programme dubbed, ‘Women Cash Champion Campaign’ aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women, was launched on Thursday.At least 24 women who have made a difference in society will be selected from all sectors of the district and trained in project design, marketing, savings and governance.Various women entrepreneurs also shared experiences of their achievements from cooperatives, agriculture and their rights “We now have confidence because we have full support from the Government. I dropped out of school for two years but resumed three years ago. Now I am a cell Executive Secretary and a respected citizen. I contribute to poverty reduction in this area,’’ said Gaudance Mujeje of Kabatwa.The main guest, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Brig. Gen Jack Nziza, called on Rwandans to economically empower and educate girls.“We still have to overcome malnutrition and poor health among our mothers, this is a period that has been set aside to focus on the challenges still facing the progress of women in our country,” Nziza said.During the celebrations, 24 Friesian heifers donated by Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) were donated to the child headed households living in Kabatwa sector.The Women Cash Champion Campaign, organised jointly by Duterimbere, YWCA and Oxfam, is a pilot project which will encourage competition among women in areas of income generating activities and promoting partnerships.Oxfam Country Director, Maggie Carrol, said the success of government programmes results from the zeal and spirit of women to work alongside men, and the confidence they have in their strength.“You are setting an example to the rest of the world. Through this competition, we want you to tell us the stories of outstanding achievers who accomplish extraordinary things in women economic empowerment,’’ Carrol said.

National

Exemplary women entrepreneurs to be awarded