Kigali, 22 March 2018-The Permanent Secretary was speaking during ‘Women-Connect Program’ organized by Access Bank in partnership with Peace Through Business (PTB) on 22 March, 2018. Ms. UMUTONI applauded Rwanda’s efforts to empower women and promoting gender parity. ‘The Government of Rwanda views promoting gender equality and empowerment of women not only as human rights but also as a development issue. The political commitment towards gender equality and women empowerment is linked to its vision to transform the lives of Rwandans by enhancing their well-being, safety and access to equal opportunities for both men and women, girls and boys. ‘ She however noted some challenges affecting women and girls such as unpaid care work, limited mobility and access to economic opportunities, feminized poverty, gender based violence among other. The Permanent Secretary said that the Government of Rwanda and its partners are very much committed to continue raising the skills and knowhow for women and to create more opportunities for financial independence and the emancipation of Women and Girls. The Women Connect program, aimed at helping women network to share their experiences, enhancing their entrepreneurial skills, mobilizing finances and highlighting the empowerment of women. The program intends to train and mentor women life for a period of three months about business, mobilizing finances, record keeping and financial advisory and connect with other already established entrepreneurial women to share their experiences and skills. Addressing the participants present at the event, the Head of Personal and Business Banking at Access Bank Rwanda, Gloria BWIZA ASIIMWE said that Access Bank and PTB want to provide an environment that connects women to work and mentor each other as they improve their entrepreneurship skills. The event similarly featured the certificate awarding ceremony of 28 women who participated in a 3-month business training by PTB. Women who concluded 3-month training       Officials cutting a cake of celebration were awarded certificates PTB Country Facilitator Chantal MUNANAYIRE said that women now don’t feel persuaded to join business because they are not fully supported. The financial inclusion report, 2016 indicates that women accessing formal finance increased to 63% in 2016 from 36% in 2012 whilst women who have access to informal financial services decreased from 32% in 2012 to 24% in 2016.