Empowered to Thrive

Since August 2022, Rise Up Woman International has partnered with ALARM-Rwanda to economically empower 32 women in Kigali through business training, mentorship, and startup support. This program is equipping women to break cycles of poverty and build lives of stability and self-reliance.

Program Goals:

• Train women in microbusiness management, stewardship, savings, and loan management

• Mobilize women to start income-generating projects and strengthen access to microcredit

• Launch a revolving fund to provide small startup capital for 20–30 women aged 25–45

What’s Been Achieved:

• All 32 women have completed three training sessions covering entrepreneurship, starting a business, saving, and cooperative formation.

• 7 women received startup capital in the most recent session, allowing them to launch or expand small businesses like shoe sales and fruit vending.

• Participants are now saving through cooperatives, and many are working toward securing stable spaces in markets to avoid the challenges of informal street vending.

ALARM-Rwanda reports that follow-up visits show most women are on track with their repayment agreements. While a few participants have experienced health setbacks, they remain committed to the program and their financial responsibilities.

Testimonial:

A mother of three, Elda had been selling a small variety of fruit from a basket on the street, often losing her goods due to government enforcement. With startup capital and training, she expanded her inventory and secured a small marketplace spot from a neighbor.

“I now sell in a market space where customers can find a variety of fruits—and I no longer live in fear of having my goods taken away.”