WIFR was founded to unite institutions that collaborate to empower women in finance through various training programs.

During a ceremony welcoming the institution into WIFR on September 24, 2024; Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels and strive for a future that benefits everyone.

"We will continue to provide equal opportunities and ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender or appearance," she stated.

Founded in 2006, Umwalimu SACCO was licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) to operate as a financial institution in Rwanda on February 22, 2008. Today, it has over 120,000 members and more than 30 branches across the country.

Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that it would contribute to accelerating Rwanda’s ambition to become a financial services hub in Africa.

"We are delighted to welcome Umwalimu SACCO, which plays a crucial role in the education sector by making financial services more accessible to our teachers," she said.

As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.

These training programs align with the government’s agenda, championed by the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), to position Rwanda as a leading investment hub in Africa.

One of the scholarship recipients, Clarisse Niwebasa, shared her excitement: "This scholarship is a game-changer for both my personal and professional life, and for the organization I work for. Opportunities like this must be embraced."

Clemence Suku, from Umwalimu SACCO’s Rubavu branch, echoed these sentiments, saying, "The knowledge I am about to acquire will benefit not just me, but also the institution I work for and the country. I am proud as a woman, because, in the past, women were often left behind. Today, we are part of the progress. I won’t take this opportunity for granted."

Another scholarship recipient, Chantal Niyibikora from the Nyamagabe branch, emphasized how this scholarship will enhance her financial expertise, improve her skills, and help her deliver better services.

WIFR was founded to address the need for women in finance to have a platform where they can collaborate, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements.

Since its inception in 2023, over 50 women from banks and microfinance institutions have been awarded scholarships to study at CISI.

One of the scholarship recipients, Niwebasa Clarisse.

Chantal Niyibikora from Nyamagabe branch emphasized how received scholarship will enhance her financial expertise.

Suku Clemance is among scholarship recipients.

Laurence Uwambaje, the Director General of Umwalimu SACCO, emphasized that this partnership will strengthen the cooperative’s commitment to gender equality across all levels.

Raissa Muyango, a founding member of WIFR and Managing Director of Copedu Plc, expressed her optimism about the partnership.

The Savings and Credit Cooperative, Umwalimu SACCO, has officially joined Women in Finance Rwanda.

As part of this initiative to support women, three employees from Umwalimu SACCO were awarded scholarships to further their financial education at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in the United Kingdom.