Given that International Women’s Day (IWD) falls on a weekend this year, it is quite simple to treat it like any other day. However, even if it were on a weekday, chances are, the thrill that would accompany it would be absence of work–public day atmosphere.
Now when German socialist Luise Zietz, activist Kate Duncker and Clara Zetkin suggested an annual Women’s Day celebration, that’s not what they meant. Instead, their call was for an end to violence against women, sex discrimination, gender inequality, among other things.
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment, team SENS is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Miss Rwanda 2017 finalist Patience Iribagiza, who decided to leverage her platform to champion women’s rights and empowerment.
Patience’s journey is both inspiring and thought provoking. Growing up, her capabilities were constantly questioned. “You can’t partake in sports, lest you develop muscles and look like a boy. Neither can you graduate from college–your degree should be a husband, nor be a leader–it’s a men’s role.”
Present day, she defied all these stereotypes by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) in Rwanda with a speciality in finance. She also achieved a foundation in ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) from Oxford University and is presently enrolled in Oklahoma Christian University for a Master of Organizational Leadership and Development program.
To name a few, she is the founder and executive director of Afro Ark, the current board treasurer of the Rwanda Youth Organizations Forum, the previous chairwoman of the AfriYAN Rwanda Chapter, and the vice chairperson of the Rwanda Men Engage Network.
Join us as we explore her life story, obstacles she has encountered, and her vision for a more just society.
Was there a defining moment that made you transition from the world of beauty to business and advocacy?
Over time, I came to understand that the system that causes a girl or woman to be perceived in a way that undervalues her potential was fueled by a lack of knowledge, power abuse by those in positions of authority, and economic dependence. That, together with the high rates of teenage pregnancies in the Eastern Province’s sparked my urge to address the holistic issues girls and women face in their day to day life.
In other words, I entered the beauty pageant primarily to find a way to connect with people who shared my vision as well as share my initiatives with the world. And as soon as the pageant was through, I committed myself to continue my project and bring it to life.
Your NGO champions women’s rights and young girls. What gaps did you see that pushed you to create this initiative?
It all started when I was young. Growing up, I encountered a lot of restrictions, and my capabilities were always questioned because I was a woman. “Why do you play sports yet you’re a girl? You will develop muscles. You shouldn’t lift your desk when boys are there. And how come you’re ‘smarter’ than your male counterparts? Girls never finish school anyway; their degree is always a husband.”
Such incidents made me want to prove to society that I can even do better. Both for myself, and other girls who were going through similar situations.
Many female entrepreneurs struggle with being taken seriously, especially when coming from a non-traditional background. Have you faced such biases, and how have you tackled them?
As a woman and a leader, I face multiple challenges that stem from societal expectations, gender biases, and structural barriers. Not to mention skepticism regarding my capabilities, requiring me to work twice as hard to prove my worth. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments also adds another layer of complexity. I navigate these by building a strong and motivated team and driving impactful change.
Impact-driven businesses often struggle with sustainability. How do you balance profit-making with advocacy?
In an impact-driven business where profits are not the primary focus, our sustainability relies on funding and contributions from different individuals/institutions and like-minded organizations to sustain advocacy efforts. Plus, the new NGO law allows us to do business that sustains our work–ensure financial resilience while staying true to the mission.
To maintain this balance, I focus on securing partnerships, and leveraging grants and social impact funding.
Additionally, I prioritize efficiency and resource optimization, ensuring that every investment; whether time, money, or skills directly contributes to meaningful change.
Many people see beauty queens as symbols of glamour, but your journey has taken you beyond the ‘crown’. How did your pageant experience shape the entrepreneur and advocate you are today?
Through that journey I met people that gave me a lot of advice that I applied in the founding of ‘Afro Ark’, turning my dream to make impact into a reality.
You’ve won titles and now lead a movement. What personal achievement makes you prouder than making it to the top finalists in Miss Rwanda, and why?
Breaking societal norms to lead an organization and influence policy in traditionally male-dominated spaces has been a significant milestone. Overcoming gender biases, advocating for young women’s leadership, and creating spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued is an achievement that goes beyond personal success,it is a step toward changing societal perceptions and paving the way for others.
As the Executive Director of Afro Ark, I have successfully led initiatives that promote social justice, gender equality, and youth empowerment, expanding the organization’s reach and impact. Besides, I represented Rwanda at international platforms such as CSW (commission on the status of women), where I spoke on youth leadership, gender equality, and SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights).
You work with young girls—many of whom struggle with confidence and self-worth. From your experience in pageantry and leadership, what’s your best advice for them?
My best advice to young girls is to ‘embrace who you are and never let anyone define your worth’. Confidence starts from within, so focus on building a strong sense of self by celebrating your unique qualities and accomplishments; no matter how small they may seem.
They should also keep in mind that ‘setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow, and every challenge you overcome makes you stronger.’
Beyond grassroots impact, do you see yourself stepping into policy advocacy or political spaces to push for more structured change in women’s rights?
Looking ahead, my goals are centered on expanding my impact as a leader, advocate and changemaker. I aim to strengthen Afro Ark’s reach and sustainability, ensuring that our programs continue to empower communities, especially women and youth.
I also aspire to influence policy at a higher level, advocating for gender equality, social justice, and youth leadership in decision-making spaces. Ultimately, I want to create lasting systems of change that uplift communities and leave a meaningful legacy of empowerment and inclusion.
If you could rewrite the script for how women entrepreneurs are supported in Rwanda, what would you change?
First of all, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the government of Rwanda for its strong support of women entrepreneurs, which has created countless opportunities for growth and innovation. Building on this foundation, I would introduce new initiatives that challenge power imbalances and boost women’s confidence. For example, establishing leadership workshops and public speaking classes would empower women to speak up and take charge in business settings.
Furthermore, I would put in place peer support groups where women can share their experiences and learn from one another in a safe and supportive environment. These efforts, combined with improved access to funding, mentorship, and training, would help women not only build successful businesses but also become strong leaders who can drive lasting change in Rwanda’s economy.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned as a woman entrepreneur and advocate?
On behalf of Afro Ark, we have learnt that with resilience, strategic partnerships and continuous learning, we can push forward and create meaningful impact.
What’s one lesson you wish every girl in Rwanda could learn from your journey?
Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek out mentors who inspire you, and always stand up for what you believe in. Your voice matters, and the more you trust yourself, the more you will be able to shine both on stage and in life.
