Rwanda’s nurses and midwives urged to launch side projects to boost incomes

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) has called on its members to develop income-generating projects to supplement their salaries and enhance financial independence.

Speaking during a two-day training for district representatives held in July, RNMU Director General André Gitembagara noted that many nurses and midwives earn around 200,000 Rwandan Francs per month—a salary he says is insufficient to support meaningful investments.

“Whether they work in rural or urban areas, most nurses struggle to make ends meet. We are in discussions with Muganga Sacco to introduce financial schemes that can help them launch viable side businesses,” said Gitembagara.

He added that investing in the economic empowerment of health professionals also promotes gender equality, as women make up 65 percent of the nursing and midwifery workforce in Rwanda.

In addition to entrepreneurship, the training also focused on educating participants about labor laws and workplace rights. Legal expert Hobess Nkundimana emphasized the need for nurses and midwives to understand their legal protections, especially when employment disputes arise.

“Legal awareness will help ensure fair decisions in labor relations, whether they involve the employer or the employee,” he said.

Rwanda is currently home to over 14,000 practicing nurses and midwives, with approximately 12,000 affiliated with the RNMU. The union continues to advocate for both professional development and better economic opportunities for its members.

The training brought together representatives from all 36 districts across the country.

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