On March 27, 2026, business leaders and women entrepreneurs gathered in Kigali to mark International Women’s Day. The event, organized by the Private Sector Federation Rwanda together with partners, focused on the growing role of women in Rwanda’s economy.
Participants said the days when women were mainly in small businesses are changing. Today, women are investing in industries, entering international markets, and taking on leadership roles in different sectors. The celebration was held under the theme “Give to Gain,” encouraging people to grow by supporting others.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Batamuriza Mireille, said women are central to the country’s development and should continue to aim higher.
She said: “Women are a strong pillar of our country’s development. What we want to see now is women who are ready to go beyond limits, to grow their businesses, and to take bigger opportunities. We believe women can do more, and we encourage them to be confident, to take risks, and to continue building businesses that create jobs and support the economy.”
She also addressed the role of financial partners, adding that: “We still see that some women face challenges when it comes to accessing finance. This is why we call upon financial institutions and partners to continue working closely with women entrepreneurs, to support them with the services they need so they can grow without barriers.”
During the event, leaders highlighted the visible progress made by women across the country. Today, women are leading companies, exporting products such as coffee, and contributing to different sectors in meaningful ways.
Thérèse Kamana, who represents the chamber for women, youth, and people with disabilities within PSF, said the change is clear and happening across all sectors.
She explained: “Today, we are no longer talking only about small businesses. We have women in all kinds of activities. Yes, we still have those in small businesses, but we also have women who own industries, women who are investing in real estate, and women who are doing big projects. This shows clearly that Rwandan women are capable and ready to move forward.”
She added that this progress is not by chance, but comes from a supportive environment: “This shows that women in Rwanda are able to grow because they are in a country that supports them. We have good leadership, and we have policies that give equal opportunities. Women are not limited. They can work, they can invest, and they can succeed.”
Kamana also praised Paul Kagame for promoting gender equality and opportunities for all.
She said:
“The first HeForShe is His Excellency Paul Kagame. He has opened doors for women and made sure we have access to markets. In Rwanda, there is no place where they say this opportunity is only for men or only for women. What matters is your ability and your confidence.”
She continued by highlighting the importance of security in business growth:
“We are also lucky to live in a safe country. You can see that people who live in Kigali have businesses in the provinces. Some are in coffee, they have washing stations there, they go, they work, and they come back home at night. Others are in mining, they travel and even stay there, and nothing happens to them. This level of security allows women to work freely and grow their businesses without fear.”
Despite the progress, some challenges remain. It was noted that financial management is still an issue for some women entrepreneurs, especially when business and personal finances are mixed. This can affect business growth and sustainability.
Participants were encouraged to join cooperatives and associations so they can learn from each other, access training, and improve how they run their businesses.
Diane Kamanzi, the Second Vice Chairperson of PSF, said access to finance has improved over time.
She explained:
“In the past, women were mostly limited to small loans, which made it difficult for them to grow. But today, things have changed. Women can access bigger loans, and this gives them a real chance to expand their businesses. Our goal is to continue supporting both those who are starting and those who want to grow to the next level.”
The event also celebrated success stories, where several women were awarded for their achievements and contribution to the economy.
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