How women entrepreneurs are coming together during COVID-19 isolation

The African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) was established to empower and support women across Sub-Saharan Africa who are driving economic development and social change through their small and medium enterprises. However, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many women-owned businesses have faced unprecedented challenges. CNBC Africa recently had the opportunity to interview Gloria Kamanzi, the Chairperson for the Rwanda Chapter of AWEP, to discuss how they have been providing assistance and guidance to women entrepreneurs during these difficult times. As countries entered lockdowns and businesses were forced to close their doors temporarily, AWEP quickly realized the need to reach out to their members and provide them with vital information and resources. Understanding the impact of these closures on SMEs, AWEP began offering webinars and guidance on crisis management, employee communication, and customer engagement to help women navigate through the uncertainty. Kamanzi emphasized the importance of staying connected with customers and employees, reevaluating expenses, and seeking feedback to make informed decisions. One of the key sectors deeply affected by the crisis in Rwanda is tourism, which has a significant impact on the livelihoods of many women entrepreneurs. Kamanzi highlighted the struggles faced by those in the tourism industry, urging them to review their expenses and maintain communication with customers and employees. Due to the uncertainty of when the situation will improve, AWEP is dedicated to providing ongoing support and resources to help these women adapt and survive. In addition to offering guidance and support directly to women entrepreneurs, AWEP is actively advocating for their members to the government and other partners. Kamanzi stressed the importance of engaging with key institutions, such as ministries responsible for addressing rent concerns, to ensure that the needs of women business owners are heard and addressed. By working collaboratively with various stakeholders, AWEP aims to create a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive during and beyond the lockdown. Reflecting on her own experiences as a business owner, Kamanzi shared the challenges she faced in operating her company during the pandemic. She acknowledged the need to adapt and revamp business models to survive in the post-COVID-19 era, emphasizing the importance of diversifying products and services. By embracing innovation and collaboration with other businesses, Kamanzi is determined to overcome the hurdles presented by the crisis and emerge stronger. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact businesses worldwide, the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs like Gloria Kamanzi serve as an inspiration. Through the unwavering support of organizations like AWEP and the advocacy for critical issues, women-owned businesses are navigating through these turbulent times with courage and strength.