In Rwanda, the empowerment of women is thriving, positively impacting both individuals and whole communities.
The inspiring journey of Women Enterprise Accelerator started in 2022 by the visionary Antoinette Uwimana, its Co-Founder and Managing Director. Antoinette recognised barriers hindering women’s progress including limited funds, skill gaps, and restricted market access. Driven by a desire for change, she embarked on a mission to break down these barriers and empower women to not only thrive in business but to become pillars of strength for their families and communities.
“Impacting women means transforming lives. I firmly believe that when a woman receives the right level of support, she, in turn, becomes a source of care and support for her family and community. So whenever you empower a woman, you are empowering the entire nation,” says Antoinette.
At the core of Women Enterprise Accelerator’s success is a diverse team of seven, including three skilled artisans. The organisation extended its impact by upskilling three cooperatives of 30 women who later passed their skills & experiences to an additional 40 women.
The organisation’s vibrant workshop portrays creativity in the form of exquisite textile products. From chic bags to stylish jackets and dresses, each piece is a testament to Rwandan artisanship. The colourful and expressive African fabric, “kitenge,” infuses each creation with a unique identity.
In April 2023, Women Enterprise Accelerator commenced a partnership with Gorilla’s Coffee, a collaboration born out of admiration for the exceptional products crafted by the Accelerator group. What began as the creation of custom-made bags for Gorilla’s Coffee blossomed into a strong partnership. From bags to bucket-hats to pocket squares & neckties, each product not only bears the Gorilla’s Coffee logo, it is also made to the highest quality standards.
Vestine Uwihirwe, a talented tailor and leader of the cooperative “Tubambike Baberwe”, is a great testament to this partnership. Her journey with Women Enterprise Accelerator has not only honed her skills but has also elevated her financial standing. The income she gains from crafting Gorilla’s Coffee products has supported her four children’s education and enabled her to cater for her whole family.
“From every piece I make, I earn an income which contributes to my savings and ultimately my dream of starting my own workshop in the future. The partnership came at the right time and has made a significant difference in our lives,” Vestine says.
As the horizon expands, the organisation looks forward to collaborating with more influential brands to promote ‘Made in Rwanda’. The vision also encompasses a recognition of creativity and the further use of eco-friendly materials to support positive change.
Women Enterprise Accelerator is a beacon for change that can transform lives, and pave the way for a brighter and more empowered future for women in Rwanda.
I needed to put you the very small remark just to say thank you yet again about the magnificent information you have discussed here. This has been certainly seriously open-handed with you to provide unreservedly all that many individuals might have sold as an e book to earn some money for themselves, notably since you might have done it if you decided. The ideas in addition served like the fantastic way to understand that the rest have the same interest similar to my own to see whole lot more with regard to this matter. I know there are several more pleasant sessions ahead for folks who discover your blog.