The Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS) held an induction ceremony for the first cohort of vocational training on December 12, 2025, at the Gasabo District Office in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of the “Project for supporting Women’s Empowerment in Rwanda (TechSheCan)” funded by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) of the Republic of Korea.
The first cohort of the vocational training program began on December 8 as a four-month course for 135 young women, covering three trades: automotive maintenance, videography, and graphic design.
The orientation was organized for partner TVET institutions and trainees, reflecting the gender-responsive approach of the project by providing gender awareness training and vocational training operational guidelines at the early stage of training.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion of Rwanda (MIGEPROF), followed by educational sessions on gender equality and women’s economic participation, which highlighted national gender equality policies and the significance of women’s empowerment. A representative from the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) introduced the vocational training operational guidelines and emphasized the importance of active participation and self-directed learning among trainees.
In addition, representatives from participating TVET institutions and local government authorities expressed their strong commitment to supporting trainees’ smooth entry into the labor market through industry-based training and practical linkages to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. A trainee representative also conveyed gratitude for the opportunity provided through the project and shared her determination to fully engage in the training program.
The project aims to expand women’s economic participation and strengthen their self-reliance by providing young Rwandan women with vocational training and employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in male-dominated sectors. From 2025 to 2027, the project will support a total of 700 women through gender-responsive vocational training and employment and entrepreneurship linkages.
