Beyond TWB: A Retirement Program Update
Last year, seven TWB bakers retired after meeting the requirements of our retirement program (having worked with TWB for at least ten years and being over the age of 50). While they have retired from TWB, they remain part of the TWB family through continued health insurance, a one-time payment to support a business or other income-generating venture, and mentorship from members of our Kigali management team.
At our six-month check-in, we visited all seven women and learned that six had invested their retirement funds into either a home or a business and were working toward generating income from their investments. Businesses include a restaurant, rental properties, and farming/livestock. Throughout the visits our team learned that along with continued mentorship, the women could benefit from mental health support. TWB is working to provide this need to our retired team members.
A TWB Retiree greets our Bakery Operations Manager, Maureen, with a hug.
We are proud to see our retirement program provide women with continued mentorship and support as they build their next chapter. It is a meaningful example of TWB’s commitment to supporting women throughout their careers and beyond.
Hear about Two of Our Retired Bakers
Liziki
Liziki has used her funds to open a restaurant in her community. She confidently manages her business and demonstrates independence in making business decisions and managing day-to-day operations. When she began experiencing challenges with customers eating and leaving without paying, her mentor from TWB’s finance team helped her develop a simple ticketing system to ensure customers paid for their meals.
Liziki is now on track to earn more annually through her restaurant than she did while working at TWB.
Cecile
Cecile began a farming and livestock business at the beginning of the year. While she has faced some seasonal farming challenges, we plan to provide additional coaching to help her manage these risks. Her livestock business, however, has grown significantly over the past eight months. She started with one goat and one pig and now has nine goats, four pigs, and several chickens.
By managing multiple income-generating activities, Cecile is diversifying her household income and building greater financial stability. She continues to grow her businesses and apply what she learns to new opportunities.