Gisagara Women Save Over Rwf 140 Million Through Community Groups

Women in Gisagara District have saved more than Rwf 143 million through small neighborhood savings groups, a model they say has transformed their economic lives and strengthened financial independence in rural communities.

The achievement was celebrated in Kibilizi Sector during Rwanda’s commemoration of the 28th International Day of Rural Women.

According to district figures, the savings come from 126 groups, 85% of whose members are women. Each group is made up of 25 members who contribute Rwf 500 per week, with a maximum of five shares per person, equivalent to Rwf 2,500 weekly. The groups distribute accumulated funds based on individual contributions and savings records.

Members also say the initiative has enabled them to pay Mutuelle de Santé (community-based health insurance) and invest in small businesses without difficulty-seen as one of the most immediate benefits of the saving scheme.

The groups not only save money but also engage in income-generating activities using simple digital financial services. As of October 1, 2025, one group had saved Rwf 2 million, while another had invested Rwf 6 million in trading.

One member, Mukaneza Clémentine, shared her success story. Initially a rice and cassava farmer, she said agriculture alone was not lifting her out of poverty. After joining a savings group, she took a loan of Rwf 200,000 to start trading electronically. With discipline and training from World Relief Rwanda, her capital has now grown to over Rwf 1.5 million. She has also built a family home and runs a boutique selling electronic accessories.

Another member, Bampire Béatha, from the KOABIDU Maize Cooperative, which brings together over 700 women, testified that saving culture has transformed their cooperative. They now plan to buy a transport vehicle and build commercial structures worth over Rwf 50 million.

World Relief Rwanda Says Savings Model Reduces Poverty

Yannick Niyireba, Project Manager at World Relief Rwanda, said the organization works with more than 400 savings groups, including those in Gisagara. He noted that over 80% of participants improve their livelihoods significantly through savings, while over 50% move out of extreme poverty categories.

“These groups teach financial discipline, loan management and confidence to invest. Even farmers are able to borrow and repay after harvest without falling into debt traps,” he explained.

The Deputy Mayor of Gisagara District in charge of Economic Development, Jean Paul Habineza, hailed women-led savings and credit groups as a powerful driver of development.

“Beyond helping pay for Mutuelle and Ejo Heza long-term savings, these groups support entrepreneurship and reduce financial waste. They empower women and strengthen families,” he said.

Local leaders and partners called for continued support to expand the initiative across rural communities, promoting financial literacy and economic resilience among women.