Women entrepreneurs complete Online Trust and Safety Training in Kigali

By Elias Hakizimana.

Women entrepreneurs from across Kigali have completed a four-day Online Trust and Safety Training organized by the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda), aimed at strengthening digital safety awareness and promoting safer online business practices.

The training, which concluded on June 4, brought together women engaged in different sectors of entrepreneurship to build practical skills in online security, data protection, fraud prevention, and responsible digital engagement. Organizers said the initiative responds to the growing reliance on digital platforms for business, which has also increased exposure to cyber threats.

Throughout the sessions, participants were introduced to common online risks, including phishing attacks, online scams, identity theft, misinformation, and fraudulent financial transactions. Trainers also emphasized the importance of protecting personal and business information when using social media platforms, digital payment systems, and other online services.

According to facilitators, women entrepreneurs increasingly depend on digital tools to market products, communicate with customers, and complete transactions, making cybersecurity awareness an essential part of modern business operations.

Real-life risks and online behavior

During the training, facilitators used real-life examples to demonstrate how cybercriminals exploit information shared online. Participants were cautioned against oversharing personal details on social media, including posting children’s images, sharing travel plans, family movements, or personal contact information.

They also highlighted the growing risk of “sharenting,” where frequent sharing of children’s photos and personal details online can expose families to security threats. Participants were further warned about phishing attacks, where fraudsters use fake messages, links, emails, and impersonated accounts to steal personal information or money.

Participants share experiences

Delphine Nkusi, a businesswoman and owner of Rwanda Blossom Ltd, said the training was highly relevant to her online trading activities, which include selling coffee, fresh vegetables, and other agricultural products through digital platforms.

She said the training helped her better understand online safety, digital security, cyberbullying prevention, data protection, and how to identify scams and phishing attacks. Nkusi also noted that she was surprised to learn about Rwanda’s legal framework on cyber protection, including a law enacted in 2018 to safeguard internet users.

“I did not know that there is a law protecting us online. This training showed me that I must be careful about what I post and how I protect myself, my family, and my business,” she said.

Nkusi further shared that she had previously been targeted by a financial fraud attempt involving manipulated banking transactions, which was eventually blocked by the banking system.

“This was my first time attending such training, and I have learned a lot about protecting myself and my business from online threats,” she added.

Another participant, Grace Mutoni, a clothing trader in Nyarugenge District, said she frequently uses platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp to run her business but often faces fraudsters posing as customers.

“It is common to receive calls from people claiming they have paid and asking for goods before the money actually reflects in the account,” she said. “Now I understand the importance of verifying payments before releasing products.”

Amanda Cyusa, an interior designer based in Kigali, said business impersonation remains one of her biggest challenges online.

“At one point, my business account was impersonated, and I had to rebuild my online presence while warning clients not to trust the fake account,” she said. “This training has helped me understand better ways to protect my digital identity.”

Diane Iradukunda, who sells food commodities, said the training improved her decision-making when using digital platforms.

“I have learned that people must think carefully before clicking links or responding to online messages,” she said.

ISOC Rwanda on digital responsibility

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda, emphasized that digital safety begins with responsible online behavior and awareness.

He encouraged participants to pay attention to how children use digital platforms, stressing that building a safer digital society requires education, guidance, and responsible internet use at both family and community levels.

The training also reinforced the importance of verifying information, protecting personal data, and building trust in online transactions as digital services continue to expand in Rwanda.

Building safer digital businesses

ISOC Rwanda representatives noted that raising awareness about online trust and safety is becoming increasingly important as more people adopt digital tools for communication, commerce, and service delivery. They said cybersecurity awareness plays a key role in reducing vulnerability to online threats and strengthening trust in the digital economy.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote a safer and more informed digital environment in Rwanda. As digital technologies continue to shape economic and social interactions, stakeholders say equipping internet users with practical online safety skills remains essential to ensuring secure and responsible participation in the digital economy.

 

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