The official closing and accountability event of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Program (GEWEP III) took place on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at he Royal Hotel in Bujumbura Town. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a five-year initiative that has transformed the lives of thousands of women across Burundi.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Mrs. Donavine Niyonsaba, Director of Gender Equality in the Ministry in charge of Solidarity, and Mrs. Josée Ntabahungu, Director of Care International in Burundi, along with representatives from the United Nations system, embassies, provincial governors, civil society organizations, and implementation partners.
A Program That Delivered Real Change
During the event, Mrs. Nicedor Nkurunziza, GEWEP III Program Coordinator at Care International in Burundi, highlighted the program’s significant achievements. She outlined key intervention models such as “Nawe Nuze,” women’s leadership promotion, the “Abatangamuco” men’s engagement initiative, the “Belle Colline” model, and initiatives in sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
A coalition of partners, including MIPAREC, SACODE, COCAFEM/GL, FVS, Réseau Burundi 2000Plus, GLID, Abatangamuco, and IPPF, collaborated to implement these initiatives. Their efforts led to tangible improvements in economic empowerment, community resilience, and women’s participation in decision-making. The program also challenged gender-based power imbalances and strengthened civil society networks advocating for women’s rights.
Since its launch, GEWEP III has operated across eight provinces, namely Bubanza, Bujumbura, Rumonge, Gitega, Kayanza, Ngozi, Kirundo, and Muyinga, covering 62 hills out of Burundi’s 649 hills.
Voices of Change: Women Share Their Stories
Throughout the event, beneficiaries shared powerful testimonies of how the program reshaped their communities.
Marie Thérèse Igirukwishaka, from Rweza hill in Gitega province, emphasized the program’s impact on community development. “Since Care International in Burundi, through FVS, introduced this program in our hill, women have united to drive development. We bought a pump for our fields, rebuilt a bridge, supported the construction of the municipal office, and assisted orphans.”
For Chantal Ingabireyimana, from Mwakiro commune in Muyinga province, the biggest transformation was in societal attitudes. “Women in our village were once underestimated and not allowed to travel to town. Today, thanks to the program, we have acquired a four-hectare plot of land that we cultivate together. We are also protecting our environment by planting trees to combat erosion.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Scholastique, a former refugee from Tanzania now living in Busebwa, Rumonge province, highlighted the program’s role in social cohesion. “Through my tailoring work, I have trained 30 young people including 20 refugees and 10 locals. Now, there is no more division among us; we collaborate in sewing workshops and support one another.”
Recognizing Efforts, Sustaining Momentum
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to associations that played a vital role in community development and women’s empowerment. The acknowledgment not only celebrated their contributions but also encouraged them to continue fostering local initiatives.
With a presence in eight provinces and 62 hills, GEWEP III has left a lasting impact, reaffirming Care International in Burundi’s commitment to sustainable, community-driven development. Looking ahead, Mrs. Nicedor Nkurunziza emphasized that the momentum must continue. “We remain committed to supporting communities in their pursuit of a brighter future.”
As GEWEP III comes to a close, its legacy endures in the empowered women, strengthened communities, and lasting partnerships it leaves behind.
