On a bright morning of March 18th and 19th 2025, representatives of the Rwanda Union of Little People (RULP) embarked on a significant field visit to public and private financial institutions operating in Kayonza and Gakenke District. The mission was to assess workplace inclusion and evaluate service delivery to people with dwarfism, ensuring these efforts align with Rwanda’s vision of equality and accessibility for all citizens.
The visit began at Bank Populaire Rwanda (BPR) Kabarondo in Kayonza, where participants were warmly welcomed by the manager, who had prepared a detailed presentation of the bank’s ongoing initiatives.
The team, led by Jean Bosco HAKIZUWERA, Director of BDE, engaged with other district staff members and RULP team, creating an open space for dialogue about the challenges faced by people with dwarfism in accessing financial services. Discussions revolved around how architectural design, digital platforms, and customer service could be adapted to promote inclusivity.
Honorine TUYISHIMIRE, RULP executive director explained in deep about these challenges faced by people with short stature in accessing financial services. She said that in Rwanda, we have made significant strides toward fostering equality for all. However, there remains a long journey ahead, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those of short stature. “Today, I want to shed light on the specific challenges that people with dwarfism face in accessing financial services, and I hope this discussion inspires actionable change”.
She said that one of the most pressing challenges is physical accessibility. Many banks are not designed with inclusivity in mind. High counters, inaccessible ATMs, and steep staircases are everyday barriers for people with short stature. “These physical challenges send an unspoken message that these spaces were not built for them, making them feel excluded and alienated”. She spoke.
Honorine TUYISHIMIRE, RULP Executive Director explaining barriers faced by people with Short stature in accessing financial services.
In addition, she talked about service delivery and customer interaction, that too often, people with dwarfism are met with stigma or unconscious bias. This manifests in being underestimated, ignored, or treated differently during service delivery. Every Rwandan citizen, regardless of their physical attributes, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect when accessing services.
“I cannot forget that loans are not just financial tools; they are lifelines. They enable people to build businesses, secure education, improve their homes, and transform their futures. Yet, for many people with short stature, these opportunities remain out of reach. Meeting collateral demands can be difficult, especially for those with limited resources, unconscious bias during the loan application process, leading to unequal treatment, negative attitudes toward their ability and payment. Etc.”. She added
Andree MUGAMBIRA BPR Kabarondo Manager
Andree MUGAMBIRA BPR Kabarondo Manager said that as a financial institution, the purpose goes beyond numbers. It is about touching lives and fostering growth in Rwandan communities. “I want to assure you that inclusivity remains a pillar of our mission. We thank RULP for inspiring us to look deeper and broaden our perspective. We have heard things that we did not know, and we promise you tangible changes”
On the other hand, Delphin Gaju Mbonimpa, BK Gakenke Manager said that it is both a privilege and a responsibility to welcome RULP to our institution. “Inclusion is not merely a goal; it is a commitment we strive to uphold each day. Today’s dialogue reminds us that there is always room to do more and to do better. Together, we can transform ideas into actions that truly make a difference.”
He added that there have been many negative things that they used to do involuntary to people with disabilities in general but, “RULP reminds us of the responsibility we hold as an institution, not just to provide services, but to ensure those services are accessible, equitable, and empowering for all individuals, regardless of their physical attributes or abilities”
On the side of public institutions, RULP visited Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). Eric NYIRIGIRA, Manager of SACCO Abanzumugayo Nyamirama in Kayonza district said that For SACCOs, this visit is significant because it sheds light on areas where must be improved to better serve all members of the society. “It reminds us that financial services should not only be about numbers and profits but should be about creating equal opportunities for every citizen to grow and thrive”.
He added that “our mission has always been to serve the community by providing accessible financial services, empowering individuals to save, and supporting entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality. However, this visit by the RULP challenges us to reflect and ask whether we truly serve everyone in our community equally, whether our services are inclusive to people with disabilities and our vital contributors to Rwanda’s social and economic growth”.
At each institution, Honorine delivered heartfelt speeches emphasizing the importance of accessibility and respect. She acknowledged the strides made by these organizations while urging them to continue leading by example in promoting inclusion. She also requested collaborations between financial institutions, districts officers and disability organization so they find sustainable answers and leave no one behind in the development.
Triphonie UWAMAHORO, in charge of Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) in Gakenke said that it is a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to promote inclusivity in all aspects of community development. “I really understand how disability is not a limitation but, a part of the diversity that makes our society whole. I fully commit to integrating disability inclusion into JADF’s core responsibilities, ensuring that the voices and needs of people with disabilities are represented in our initiatives. I hope that together, we can create a more inclusive Gakenke, where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from development. Thank you for inspiring us to take this important step forward.”
Manasseh NZANIRA, RULP Legal Representative expressed gratitude to the institutions for their willingness to collaborate and improve. “On behalf of the Rwanda Union of Little People, I extend my deepest gratitude to the institutions we’ve visited for their openness and willingness to collaborate. Your commitment to inclusion and your readiness to listen and improve inspire hope. Together, we can build systems that not only serve but empower every Rwandan, ensuring that no one is left behind. Thank you for joining us in this journey toward equity and dignity for all.”
In conclusion, the field visit to the public and private financial institutions in Kayonza and Gakenke Districts underscored both progress and challenges in fostering workplace inclusion and equitable service delivery for people with dwarfism. While several institutions showcased commendable efforts in adapting their environments and services to ensure accessibility, the visit also revealed areas where more work is needed to eliminate barriers and cultivate a truly inclusive culture.