Rwanda is often praised globally for its efforts in gender equality. The country leads in female political representation and has opened many doors for women to pursue leadership and economic roles. But beyond the encouraging statistics, countless Rwandan women still face a web of social, financial, and structural challenges when trying to start and grow a business.
One of the most significant obstacles is the weight of traditional gender roles. Many women are expected to prioritize caregiving, housework, and family responsibilities before anything else. This leaves them with limited time, flexibility, and energy to focus on entrepreneurship. While men may dedicate most of their day to work, women often juggle business ideas with unpaid care work, creating an uneven starting point. In some households, spouses or relatives still see a woman’s business as secondary or risky, making support from family far from guaranteed.
Access to finance is another major hurdle. Even though financial inclusion has improved in Rwanda, many women struggle to access loans due to a lack of collateral, limited credit history, or uncertainty about how to navigate banks and lending institutions. Some face biased assumptions that women-led businesses are less profitable or more vulnerable to failure. Those who do manage to obtain loans often receive smaller amounts, not enough to expand or compete in larger markets. This financial gap keeps many women stuck at the micro-business stage.
Beyond finance, knowledge and skills also play a big role. Many aspiring women entrepreneurs do not have access to the same mentorship, business training, or networks as men. Skills like financial management, marketing, digital literacy, and business planning are essential but not always easy to acquire. Without proper guidance, some women struggle with bookkeeping, licensing processes, or identifying markets for their products and services.
Market access itself is another barrier. Women often operate in informal or small-scale sectors where competition is high and connections are limited. Without networks or visibility, entering larger supply chains, applying for tenders, or negotiating deals with bigger companies can seem out of reach. For women in rural areas, infrastructure issues like poor roads or limited internet access add another layer of difficulty.
Regulatory and institutional challenges also limit entrepreneurial growth. While Rwanda’s laws support gender equality, the process of registering a business, paying taxes, or obtaining licenses can still feel intimidating or time-consuming. Some women report facing unfair treatment or pressure to pay informal fees during bureaucratic procedures. Limited legal awareness only increases vulnerability in such situations.
Psychological barriers also play a quieter but powerful role. Many women hesitate to take financial risks due to fear of failure or social judgment. Without role models or mentors in their communities, it’s easy to doubt one’s ability to lead or expand a business. The lack of representation in certain sectors reinforces these doubts further.
For young women, women with disabilities, and those in rural areas, these struggles are often compounded. They face more conservative social expectations, fewer financial resources, and little to no access to mentorship or market information.
Despite these challenges, Rwandan women continue to push forward with determination and creativity. What they need is not motivation, they already have that but supportive systems and opportunities that match their ambitions. Tailored financing options, mentorship programs, simplified business processes, access to childcare, and awareness campaigns that shift gender norms can make a real difference.
Empowering women entrepreneurs isn’t just about helping individuals, it fuels the entire economy. When women are given equal opportunities to lead businesses, they create jobs, support families, and contribute to national development. Rwanda has made strong progress, but addressing the everyday realities of women in business is the next crucial step. Only then can the country’s success in gender equality truly reflect the lives of women on the ground.
Brenna AKARABO
