In a joint effort to address the complex intersection of gender issues within humanitarian responses, UN Women Burundi, in collaboration with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Burundian government through the National Risk Prevention and Disaster Management Platform, organized a two-day workshop on “Gender in Humanitarian Action” from October 17 to 18, 2024. This event brought together key stakeholders to explore the role of gender in disaster preparedness and response, with a focus on empowering women and girls in times of crisis.
The first day of the workshop, held on October 17, welcomed a diverse group of participants, including gender focal points from various ministries, heads of gender sector groups, representatives from UN agencies, and members of the media. Day two saw the inclusion of local civil society organizations, international organizations, and media professionals, reflecting the event’s broad focus on community-wide engagement in gender issues.
Police Brigadier General Anicet Nibaruta, President of the Platform for Prevention and Reduction of Risks and Disasters, opened the session by addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change in Burundi. “Our country is ranked among the twenty most affected by these changes,” he noted, referencing the increasing frequency of severe rainfall, floods, and landslides that have resulted in loss of life, displacement, and widespread economic damage. He stressed the importance of equipping humanitarian workers with the skills necessary to address gender disparities during crises, with particular attention to preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
General Nibaruta introduced a comprehensive guide for integrating gender equality into humanitarian responses, which aims to combat the heightened risk of gender-based violence in the wake of disasters. “Let us strengthen our support systems to provide timely assistance to victims of gender-based violence,” he urged, highlighting the need for accessible medical, psychosocial, and legal services for survivors, alongside improved physical security measures.
Léonard Ndikiminwe, Head of Programs at UN Women Burundi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the training aimed to raise awareness among humanitarian actors of the unique challenges faced by women and girls during crises. He pointed to recent natural disasters in Burundi, such as devastating floods, which have worsened existing gender inequalities. Ndikiminwe called for stronger partnerships between humanitarian actors, government institutions, and communities to foster resilience and promote gender equality in humanitarian interventions.
Day two of the workshop featured presentations from experts on various aspects of gender-sensitive humanitarian action. Paterne Irahaye, OCHA’s humanitarian affairs officer, underscored the need for effective coordination between different stakeholders to ensure that responses are timely, efficient, and respectful of humanitarian principles. He warned against disorganized responses, advocating for a cohesive approach to crisis management that ensures synergy between partners.
Dieudonné Doma, a land conflict specialist with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Burundi, emphasized the importance of collecting disaggregated data by sex, age, and disability to design gender-inclusive humanitarian programs. He noted that barriers to equitable access to aid must be analyzed and addressed to ensure that all affected populations receive the support they need.
Cynthia Akimana, UN Women’s coordinator, introduced the Gender Age Marker (GAM) tool, a key mechanism for evaluating whether humanitarian project proposals adequately address gender concerns. This tool, she explained, helps fill gender gaps in proposals, ensuring that humanitarian actions meet donor requirements and promote gender equality.
The workshop concluded with reflections from participants, including Aline Shemezimana, a psychologist from the SERUKA center, and Saif Ndayishimiye, a representative from a local organization. Both expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained, particularly regarding strategies to combat sexual abuse and exploitation within humanitarian settings.
This training workshop marks a significant step forward in ensuring that gender-sensitive approaches are embedded in humanitarian interventions across Burundi. By equipping key actors with the necessary tools and knowledge, the country moves closer to achieving more inclusive and equitable disaster response mechanisms.
