The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

Betty Kinyemma Habimana, Peace through Business®2008 graduate sent this update on March 3, 2009:

“PtB2008 is bearing fruits every other day! Talk about Networking! Networking was a topic commented on by every speaker that shared with us while at Oklahoma Christian University. I am naturally a quiet person, but because of the empowerment that I got from experienced business women while participating inPeace through Business® programme in the US, I now try my level best to market myself whenever I am at gatherings, be it church, weddings, etc.

It is at my church that I met Nancy, an American lady working with American Transformation Network, and introduced myself. She became interested when she learned that I am a seamstress. She said she was searching for people like me who have basic sewing skills to teach them quilting in order for them to pass on the skills to others. That was it! I am now taking lessons from her and the training is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. four days per week. It is scheduled for eight weeks. So am a very busy person but excited about quilting and the whole class of 8 seamstresses is determined to do excellent work using scrap from their tailoring businesses and other cheap African fabrics. All this I believe will enable us to produce unique products which can be marketed both locally and abroad. I am glad to break away from dress making which has stiff competition and stressful. I just feel this project will bring out my creativity most especially in things like bedcovers, table mats to metnion but a few. Long live our esteamed ladies involved in Peace through Business and all our sponsors. Hope you enjoy the photo. ”

We are so glad to hear that Betty continues to expand and grow both in her business and personally. Hopefully the mentors who assisted Betty will know they made a difference! Thank you Kelly Ryan, Sue Moss Sullivan, Lynn Sparks - it is women like you that change the world - one women at a time.