International Women’s Day: Empowering Young Women Through SheCreates and EmpowerHer

Each year, International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and equity while recognizing the work that remains. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights an important idea: when we invest in women through education, mentorship, and opportunity we unlock benefits not only for individuals, but for families, communities, and entire economies.

Two of our flagship initiatives, SheCreates and EmpowerHer, focus specifically on supporting women at different stages of their journeys.

Supporting Young Women Through SheCreates

The SheCreates Fellowship supports young women entrepreneurs in developing sustainable businesses through mentorship, workshops, and community learning.

Launched in November 2025 in Kigali, the program welcomed 20 young women entrepreneurs into a year-long fellowship designed to strengthen business skills, confidence, and leadership.

Five months into the program, participants have already engaged in workshops on goal setting, design thinking, market research, and personal branding. These sessions help fellows transform ideas into practical business plans while building a supportive network of peers and mentors.

For many participants, the program has already shifted how they approach their businesses.

As fellow Naome shared: “The SheCreates program helped me understand who my customers are and how to manage my business. I also learned how to grow my business and improve my marketing.”

Through SheCreates, FCC is helping young women entrepreneurs develop the knowledge and confidence needed to turn their ideas into ventures that serve their communities.

Empowering Single Mothers Through EmpowerHer

While SheCreates focuses on entrepreneurship, the EmpowerHer Project supports young single mothers and vulnerable women by providing vocational training scholarships, mentorship, and psychosocial support. This year, 14 participants have received comprehensive support, including tuition, training materials, transport allowances, and internship opportunities.

Participants also took part in key workshops on career guidance, trauma healing, and entrepreneurship, helping restore confidence, build resilience, and inspire new business ideas.

Most participants have already secured permanent employment, while others are gaining experience through entrepreneurship which is building confidence in their ability to create independent futures.

Investing in Women, Strengthening Communities

Together, SheCreates and EmpowerHer reflect FCC’s commitment to supporting women across different life paths from young entrepreneurs launching businesses to single mothers rebuilding their economic independence.

This International Women’s Day, the theme “Give to Gain” reminds us that investing in women’s potential creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individuals. When women gain skills, confidence, and opportunities, they strengthen families, businesses, and communities.

At Friends Career Center, we remain committed to continuing this work supporting women to learn, lead, and thrive.

To learn more about our programs or explore ways to support this work, please contact us at friendscareercenter@gmail.com