A path shared for 27 years - IFAD

“In 2003, I received the annual award from the Nzambazamariya
Veneranda Foundation for my work on behalf of poor women.
Veneranda was a co-founder of Duterimbere. I’d always been perceived
as a dynamic woman. That’s why the members of Duterimbere-
Ruhengeri elected me to be their President. I resigned to run for
elections in 2002. Working with Duterimbere had given me the
audacity. I won the local election but wasn’t sufficiently well known to
win at the next levels. People still kid me by saying ‘Here’s the lady who
got to the threshold of Parliament!’ Afsa had taken over as President
and she was doing a good job. I had no reason to run against her.
In addition to petty trading and livestock, I organize weddings,
baptisms and other ceremonies. My husband is retired and it’s my
income that allows us to send four of our six children to a private
university. The last two are still in secondary school.”
Rachel Nuyoboke, President, Duterimbere-Ruhengeri, 1996-1999
“Before I joined UWESO, we had little food in my home so
the children (four of my own and three left by my brother
and his wife) would loiter around other homes hoping to
get something to eat. They don’t have to do that anymore
because I have money to buy food and there’s always a bit
left over for other children who come around.”
Woman member of a solidarity group in Lira subcounty, Uganda
We need different kinds of training nowadays: how to keep proper
accounts, how to run larger businesses, how to file a tax declaration, etc.
Comments from the Duterimbere solidarity group of shopkeepers
in Nemba, Rwanda
UWESO member watching while a payment is
being recorded by the credit agent, Uganda.
©IFAD/R. Chalasani
KWFT member showing the cheque for her loan
and the credit application form, Kenya.
©IFAD/G. Pirozzi
MICROFINANCE
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