Through shoemaking, Sylvie Ufitinema, 24, is forging a path to economic empowerment, a field she was inspired to enter after becoming frustrated with the high cost of shoe repairs. “Each time I needed my shoes repaired, I felt overcharged for even minor fixes, like a small tear that cost me RWF200,” she recalls.
Watching roadside shoemakers at work, Sylvie admired their skill and envisioned herself in their place. A single mother to a six-year-old with no formal job at the time, she decided to take the first step toward learning the trade.
Sylvie is pursuing her dream business with hope of expanding it to empower young girls.
Initially, Sylvie stayed home unemployed, relying on financial support from her family. Her opportunity came through the DREAMS program, a component of the USAID/Igire-Wiyubake Activity implemented by YWCA Rwanda. The program aimed to empower young women by equipping them with vocational skills,” she explains. Sylvie was among the girls who trained in various trades, such as tailoring, hairdressing, painting, and shoemaking. She chose shoemaking, fueled by her passion and determination to master the craft and was provided a shoe sanding machine as a startup kit.
Today, Sylvie runs her own business, saving RWF 5,000 every week. “I can now afford to buy my clothes, educate my child, and provide for our needs—we no longer go to bed hungry,” she says proudly.
Strategically located along the main roadside near Kanombe Military Hospital, Sylvie’s business of selling and repairing shoes earns her approximately RWF 5,000 daily—an impressive income compared to many men in the same trade, who often earn less. Her stable income has enabled her to rent both a home and workspace while meeting her child’s needs.
“This financial independence has empowered me, giving me the confidence and freedom to make decisions about my life,” she adds. Sylvie remains optimistic about saving more to expand her business in the future.
However, Sylvie still faces challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is societal bias. “Many clients doubt my abilities as a female shoemaker, believing that only men are skilled in this trade,” she shares. Sylvie frequently hears clients insist on giving their work to male shoemakers, dismissing her capabilities. Undiscouraged, she strives to demonstrate her skills and build trust, determined to prove that gender does not define competence.
Sylvie’s vision extends beyond her success. “I dream of establishing my own company, one that will employ and empower other women to break into traditionally male-dominated professions like shoemaking,” she says. She hopes to inspire young women to pursue any trade that can provide financial independence, regardless of societal expectations. In five years, she aspires to own a company, train students, and manufacture a large volume of shoes.
Through her persistence and the support of the USAID/Igire-Wiyubake Activity, Sylvie has transformed her life and overcome barriers. Sylvie’s advice to young girls is simple but profound : “Work hard, believe in your abilities, and dare to challenge norms to achieve your dreams.”
