Graduation of the Journey of Transformation (JOT) through Wisigara Mugore Project in Burera District

28 August 2025, Burera District

Today, the Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre (RWAMREC), in partnership with Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), held the official closing and graduation ceremony of the Journey of Transformation (JOT) training in Cyeru Sector, Burera District.

The Wisigara Mugore project, implemented by RWAMREC with support from AFR, seeks to unlock livelihoods for women-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) by addressing restrictive social norms that hinder Women’s Financial Inclusion (WFI) and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE). The JOT pilot focused on women entrepreneurs, their families, and community gatekeepers, using dialogue and reflection to challenge barriers and promote gender-equitable power dynamics.

Highlights of the Graduation

• After 15 weeks of intensive training, participants gathered to celebrate their achievements.

• Three couples from the JOT cohort decided to legalize their marriages, joining seven others from the community in formalizing their unions during the event, supported by local leaders.

• Graduates shared personal stories of transformation, demonstrating how the training had improved family relationships, business support, and shared decision-making.

• Participants received certificates and pledged to apply their knowledge within their families and communities.

Voices of Leaders and Partners

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Emmanuel Mbarushima, Executive Secretary of Cyeru Sector, and attended by Mr. James Karangwa, Executive Secretary of Burera District, alongside representatives of local governance, financial institutions, the police, and community structures including the National Women’s Council (NWC), the National Youth Council (NYC), and faith-based organizations.

In his remarks, the District Executive Secretary, Mr. Karangwa, commended RWAMREC as a key district partner and urged both RWAMREC and AFR to continue initiatives that strengthen Rwandan families and promote sustainable development.

Representing RWAMREC, Ms. Gisele Umutoniwase, Director of Programs, thanked AFR and Burera District for their collaboration and encouraged graduates to become community role models and activists for positive social norms.

Speaking on behalf of AFR, Mr. Fabrice Hagenimana expressed appreciation for the strong partnership and reaffirmed AFR’s commitment to exploring further support for this initiative, noting satisfaction with the outcomes of the pilot phase.

Looking Ahead

The graduation marked both an ending and a new beginning: while the pilot phase of the JOT training has concluded, its impact will continue as graduates step forward to champion gender equality, challenge restrictive norms, and promote women’s economic empowerment within their communities.