Despite making up nearly half of the workforce, women in Rwanda remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, holding only 32% of leadership positions in the private sector.
This program seeks to bridge the gap by equipping women with the skills, guidance, and network needed to thrive in managerial and executive roles.
Belinda Bwiza, Co-founder of WIFR, believes that sector-wide initiatives such as these are essential to advancing women's representation in leadership roles. She states that diversity in leadership results in inclusive decision-making, which directly correlates to better organizational performance.
Designed as a structured and tailored initiative, the mentorship program connects participants with experienced finance professionals who provide personalized guidance and career insights.
Through regular mentorship sessions, participants will receive support tailored to their unique challenges, ensuring they gain essential leadership skills in strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation will also ensure the program remains impactful and aligned with participants' needs.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, highlighted the vital role of mentorship in accelerating personal and professional success.
'While formal education provides essential knowledge, mentorship offers practical, real-world insights that education alone cannot. It allows women to take a more strategic approach to their growth by learning from the experiences and challenges of those who came before them, lessons that are rarely taught in traditional academic settings,' she remarked.
WIFR said the decision to partner with Gate Consulting Group was driven by the proven impact of its LiftHerUp program, a mentorship initiative that has empowered women from various institutions in Rwanda and beyond since its launch two years ago. To date, more than 400 women have benefited from this transformative annual program.
Beyond mentorship, the program fosters a culture of collaboration, creating a strong network of women professionals who can share experiences, insights, and opportunities.
Participants will gain valuable insights through in-depth mentorship sessions, connect with like-minded professionals, and attend expert-led masterclasses on leadership and other key topics, all designed to empower women to excel both in their careers and personal lives.
The program received overwhelming interest in applications and filled two cohorts for 2025 and 2026. The partners noted that the high demand validates the need for this initiative in the sector.
According to the partners, the initiative is more than just about career growthâ€"it's about increasing women's representation in leadership, promoting diversity, and driving economic progress. They believe that with the right mentorship, women in finance can break barriers, seize opportunities, and lead the industry toward a more inclusive future.
Beyond mentorship, WIFR has been instrumental in enhancing women's professional development. Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has awarded scholarships to approximately 50 staff members in the banking sector, facilitating their pursuit of advanced certifications and courses.
Additionally, WIFR, in collaboration with the Central Bank (BNR) and Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), is undertaking a research project on the state of women in the financial sector.
This initiative aims to inform policy-making and enhance accountability, further solidifying Rwanda's position as a leader in gender equality.
IGIHE
