Women@Work - Creating Equal Opportunities for Women Farm Workers
“The training by Rwanda Women’s Network enabled me to succeed. My confidence improved, I now know I can manage any type of profession on the job market. My income also improved, I managed to build a house, I now own livestock and I’m able to send my children to school”
— Alphonsine Murebwayire, Garden Fresh farm employee
Meet Alphonsine Murebwayire, a wife, a mother of six and an employee at Garden Fresh. In 2018 Garden Fresh, sent Alphonsine and 7 other employees (6 women, 2 men) to attend the Women@Work program, led by Rwanda Women’s Network in partnership with Hivos.
Garden Fresh is one of four farms in eastern Rwanda who were chosen to participate in the program (Bella Flower, and Green Best Farm and Akanyenyeri Farm). The goal of the program was to improve the conditions of women working in horticulture supply chains (flowers, fresh vegetables, beans, avocados and chillies) through fair wages, job security and good working conditions. “Historically, the horticulture sector employs mostly women but offers no job security. Through this program, we wanted to empower women to take on more leadership positions in their companies, giving them a platform to be heard and secure their financial independence” said Iris Mirelle Irankunda, Rwanda Women’s Network field officer.
The program focused on leadership training, building self-confidence as well as financial literacy (money management, savings and investments). Alphonsine and her fellow trainees were encouraged to start savings groups at the farm which helped secure their wages. “I was able to buy land and build a house thanks to the funds collected by the savings group. I also liked the session on taking care of yourself, setting goals and learning about rights at the workplace” said Alphonsine.
Transformation for Alphonsine followed, by receiving feedback and encouragement from the Rwanda Women’s Network team, fellow trainees and support staff, Alphonsine increased her self-confidence. She is now on the Gender Committee of Garden Fresh Farm (a committee that was formed after the training) and she is also a role model in her community. When asked about her future Alphonsine said she is already dreaming about her second career and would love to attend more programs like the Women@Work
See the story of Alphonsine and other women from Garden Fresh, Bella Flower, Green Best Farm and Akanyenyeri Farm:
About the Women@Work Project
Starting 2017, in partnership with Hivos, Rwanda Women’s Network has implemented the Women@Work leadership program in four farms in the eastern province of Rwanda.
Through programs like this, we are enabling job security for women, empowering them to take on decision making roles and breaking gender norms.
With your help, we hope to bring this program to more areas in Rwanda.
Help us invest in women and girls now