It’s the day recognized globally that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. March 8th is International Women’s Day, collectively founded by women, this day accelerates gender equality and women’s rights. At Levvel Inc., our founders Chantal and Brian Milloy, truly encompass equality in their everyday practice, in building an inclusive business culture, and economically encouraging the equality at a global level. Less than 4 years ago, Levvel partnered with Muraho Technology in Rwanda with a desire and passion to advance opportunities for women in Rwanda.

Fair employment and teamwork at its best- Celebrating Excellence! Women Software QA Testers with Levvel Inc. and Muraho Technolgy.

This relationship is based on the spirit of doing business right. Located in Kigali, Rwanda, Muraho provides ISTQB® certification training for women to equal the playing field in tech. Each trainee selected receives an education, childcare and employment opportunities with salaries in the 90th percentile for Rwanda. Creating a harmonious team of highly trained and fully certified testers who are equally motivated and engaged. To date, there are 80+ professional women certified as QA testers.

As recognized by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Rwanda is a country striving to advance in gender equality and technology, this viable co-sourcing stream available to Canadian organizations and supporting a global economy, is at the heart of Levvel’s vision.

President of Rwanda – Paul Kagame

“The world has made great strides in empowering women and girls in the recent decades and Rwanda has played its part. Good politics, legal reforms and good policy frameworks have helped speed up this process. Increasingly everybody understands that there is an acceptably cost to gender inequality. It is no accident that the renewal of Rwanda was also accompanied by significant upgrade in the status, roles and responsibilities of women. The same thing is nearly in every country where gender equality has been taken seriously. Women are a corner stone of prosperity for society as a whole.”

So when did this global recognition (IWD) all begin?

International Women’s Day has a history that dates back 108 years — the first glimpse of it was in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America celebrated 15,000 women who protested long work hours, low pay, and the lack of voting rights in New York City.

Originally called National Woman’s Day, the annual celebration with varying dates, officially spread across the world in 1911.

On March 8, 1917, tens of thousands of Russian women took to the streets demanding change. The unified cry for help paved the way for Russian women to be granted voting rights soon after and March 8th was adopted as the date to recognize.

This year’s theme #EachforEqual is meant to be a shared goal throughout 2020. The theme draws on the notion of “collective individualism,” which refers to the idea that every individual is a part of a whole, and that an individual’s actions, behaviors, and mindsets can all have an impact on the larger society.

International Women’s Day is an official holiday in at least 20 countries. Of course, the global celebration of International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the advancement of women so far, advocacy for what is still needed, and action to continue breaking down barriers. With over a century of history, IWD is a growing movement centered around unity and strength. For more – https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

As a Canadian organization, we’re proud to play a part in the education, advancement, and equality of women at a global level. And recognize the unity, strength, and pride of these empowered women in tech first-hand.

“I did not expect to be as successful as I am today until I joined the Wecode program conducted by Muraho Technology in Quality Assurance Testing. I have had opportunities to apply my knowledge to our work on international projects. Having this opportunity has allowed me to follow my career, offered continuous learning as well as helped bring financial stability for my family.” Isabelle Bucyeyeneza – Test Lead

At Levvel we continue to grow our co-sourced Software QA Testing line of Business, train professional Rwandan Women in technology and encourage Canadian organizations to Levvel-Up and experience the exceptional service this global partnership offers.

some copy derived from GH 2019

~Cherene Kambeitz- Marketing & Communications Director, Levvel Inc.

Reach out to Connect@levvel.ca