The acclaimed insurance firm, headquartered at Nyarugenge in the heart of Kigali City, organized a special motivational event for its women staff on Friday, March 22, 2024, providing them with an opportunity to benefit from expert training on work-life balance in the modern society, in line with this year’s theme: Accelerating gender equality.

Judith Katabarwa, a capacity building expert based in Rwanda, encouraged the women to have ambition in life for them not only to realize career progression but also prioritize their social well-being, especially their health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development.

The facilitator highlighted that the dangers of poor work-life balance include high rate of absenteeism at work, lower job satisfaction and lower levels of commitment and loyalty.

To avoid scenarios of poor work balance, the women were advised to plan their work well and avoid overbookings, prioritize ruthlessly, learn to say no, utilize available technology to work smart and to accept the fact that it won’t always be perfect.

"We should not spend all our lives and time on work; we should balance it because when we don’t, we can’t even perform well. If we have health issues and we don’t take care of them because we are working, it will compromise our performance," Katabarwa emphasized.

On the other hand, companies were urged to adopt flexible working hours to maximize productivity and promote a positive work culture. This includes allowing employees to work from home whenever possible.

Prime Insurance Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eugene Murashi Haguma, attended the highly interactive session.

The CEO encouraged the dozens of staff at the event to take advantage of ongoing women empowerment initiatives to improve both their professional and social lives. He emphasized on the need for the women to be confident about their skills and conquer the world regardless of existing societal stereotypes.

"I have been fortunate to work alongside women and study with them in the same classes; they are capable. Sometimes, you find that they are even smarter than us. It starts with believing in yourself and feeling confident in your abilities. Some men and young boys may think that women are incapable, but you are capable of doing any kind of job you are tasked with," the CEO affirmed.

"I urge you not to be afraid. I know that you are capable, and as people become more educated, they will realize the full potential of women," he added, amidst applause and cheers from the staff members.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually in many parts of the world in the month of March as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. The day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

Judith Katabarwa, a capacity building expert based in Rwanda

Eugene Murashi Haguma, the Prime Insurance Chief Executive Officer

Prime Insurance Staff and their CEO