Ms. Ingabire Francine: From Doubt to Confidence in Electrical Technology

For Ms. Ingabire Francine, graduating in Electrical Technology from Don Bosco Technical School in Rwanda is more than the completion of a course—it is a journey of overcoming doubt and discovering her potential.

When Francine and other girls first joined the school, they were unsure whether they could succeed in a technical field traditionally perceived as being for men. The Gender Matters (GM) Project played an important role in changing that mindset by encouraging and motivating girls to pursue technical education.

At Don Bosco, Francine found a supportive learning environment, committed school leaders, and encouragement from the GM Project. The presence of female teachers who had themselves studied Electrical Technology also gave her confidence that girls could succeed in the field.

With this support, she and her fellow students persevered, gained confidence, and successfully completed their studies.

As she concludes her training and awaits the results of the State Examination, Francine is proud of what she and her classmates have achieved. She also carries forward the values and ethics she learned at Don Bosco, which she believes will guide her as she begins the next chapter of her life.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that when girls are given encouragement, role models, and equal opportunities, they can confidently pursue careers in technical fields and succeed. Watch her story here:

Ingabire