10 Women Empowered with Motorcycles by Centre Marembo Commit to Transforming Their Lives

The ceremony took place on Friday, October 18, 2024, in Kigali's Gasabo District, marking a significant step toward improving the livelihoods of vulnerable women.

The training initiative was designed to equip these women with practical skills to enhance their employability, offering them a path toward financial independence and reducing their vulnerability to exploitation. Through this program, 100 women received motorcycle driving licenses, and from this group, 10 were selected to receive motorcycles, fully insured by Prime Insurance, along with certificates of completion.

Nsabimana Nicolette, Director of Centre Marembo, emphasized the organization's mission to empower women, particularly those facing the challenges of single parenthood. By focusing on traditionally male-dominated professions, the center aims to equip women with sustainable skills.

Nsabimana explained, “Many girls are vulnerable to violence or exploitation. In response, we launched initiatives to equip them with essential skills, including trades that are often dominated by men. Our goal is to help them become financially self-reliant.”

She further revealed that Centre Marembo has several ongoing projects aimed at supporting women, with plans to expand significantly in the coming years.

“We aspire to train 2,500 girls and women over the next five years in various trades such as construction, painting, and more,” Nsabimana added.

The women who received the motorcycles expressed their gratitude and optimism about the positive changes this opportunity will bring. For many, owning a motorcycle represents more than just a mode of transportation—it is a critical tool for self-sufficiency.

Dukundane Pacifique, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her excitement about owning her first motorcycle. “This is a game changer for me. I used to depend on others’ motorcycles, but now, having my own will change everything,” she said.

Dukundane also praised the skills she gained through the program, noting how they would contribute to her personal and professional growth.

Another recipient, Nsanzingoma Marie Josee, shared similar sentiments. As a single mother, she highlighted the difficulty of raising children without stable income and how her new job as a motorcycle operator would provide financial stability.

“Raising children alone is hard, but with a stable job, it becomes manageable. We wanted to avoid illegal activities like street vending, so we pursued this path. Before, we borrowed motorcycles, but now we own them, and it makes a huge difference,” she said.

Prime Insurance, a key partner of Centre Marembo, commended the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such projects.

“We have been closely working with Centre Marembo and have seen the profound impact their programs have on vulnerable women,” said Mike Byusa, Head of Business at Prime Insurance. “We insured these motorcycles for a full year, and we’ll soon provide helmets and uniforms to ensure the women present themselves professionally.”

Since its founding in 2013, Centre Marembo has been dedicated to helping girls who have experienced violence, their children, and at-risk youth. The organization continues to expand its initiatives, focusing on equipping women with practical skills that pave the way for long-term success and independence.