Women encouraged to participate in decision-making bodies

On October 29, 2024, the Association of Repatriated Women of Burundi (AFRABU) in collaboration with the Senate, presented the report illustrating the results of the added value of the role of women members of the councils of village and neighbourhood notables, in the promotion of women’s rights in their role of conflict management.

In his opening speech of the day’s activities, Honourable Ferdinand Ndayisavye who represented the Senate Bureau, invited women to be elected at all levels of representation of the people. He urged them to fulfill their functions with devotion in order to improve their contribution to the respect of human rights in general and more specifically women’s rights.

During their presentations, the consultants who prepared this report presented the assessment of the level of participation of women in decision-making bodies, for the period from 2016 to 2023.

According to the study, the evolution of the proportion of women in different political positions is positive.

Based on samples, their survey proved that women are fewer in the councils of village notables, but that their performances are very satisfactory.

During the interventions, the participants encouraged women to participate more in the different levels of administration and representation of the people. They proposed a study on the reasons that push young girls to drop out of school, at a higher rate than boys, in order to find a solution. They noted that it is necessary to organize a capacity building workshop for village notables, to improve their performances.

As for the challenges, the village notables expressed the lack of work materials. They also reported the lack of offices for some localities.

At the end of the work, the participants validated this report by acclamation.

The participants in this activity were mainly senators chairing different standing committees, representatives of AFRABU and the judiciary, some village notables and many others.