Kataza Program: Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion

The Kataza Program is committed to advancing women's economic empowerment in Rwanda by promoting financial inclusion and fostering gender equality within communities. This initiative strengthens local leadership, enhances financial literacy, and drives positive behavioral change through capacity-building and community engagement. The Kataza program is implemented by a coalition of partners, led by BRD in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, including RWAMREC, African Management Institute, Amir, Mvend, and I&M Bank.

RWAMREC’s role is to build partners' capacity in gender mainstreaming and to train project participants in the Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) and the Men Engage Approach, ensuring the removal of financial inclusion barriers for youth, particularly women.

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Problem Statement
Despite progress in gender equality, many Rwandan women still face significant barriers when it comes to economic participation and leadership. Deep-rooted gender norms often limit women's opportunities to engage in financial activities, take on leadership roles, and exercise agency in decision-making within households and communities. The lack of supportive social structures, coupled with limited financial inclusion, prevents many women from reaching their full potential.

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RWAMREC mission

The Kataza Program seeks to break down these barriers by promoting gender equality through financial inclusion and community engagement. Implemented by RWAMREC, the program focuses on transforming social norms and encouraging the active participation of men in promoting gender equality.

 

​RWAMREC Core Interventions and Activities
The Kataza Program combines capacity building, community engagement, and transformative education to foster inclusive financial environments. Its key activities include:

• Training Growth Guides and Village Agents to strengthen local expertise and empower communities from within.

• Conducting gender audits of financial institutions to ensure that services and practices are equitable and inclusive.

• Providing capacity building for financial service providers (FSPs) to establish gender-responsive financial systems.

• Facilitating the Journey of Transformation (JoT) training for couples, supporting women entrepreneurs by promoting shared household responsibilities and financial transparency.

• Establishing Micro-Enterprise (ME) Clubs to offer practical tools, business development support, and networking opportunities for women.

• Training agents of change on community engagement strategies and gender equality advocacy.

• Leading community awareness campaigns that challenge harmful gender norms and encourage inclusive leadership.

• Organizing quarterly feedback meetings with agents of change to promote continuous learning, adaptation, and reflection.