BUBANZA, March 11th (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the headquarters of Bubanza province, called for support for women while respecting Burundian customs.
This appeal was made during the ceremonies marking the celebration of International Women’s Day 2025.
In his speech, the President of the Republic of Burundi stated that Burundian society has always valued women since the monarchy, adding that women have a prominent place in political organization. He cited the examples of the midwives of the Royal Court who had to designate the successor of the Queen Mother Ririkumutima who served as regent, and others.
President Ndayishimiye urged spouses to manage their assets well and consensually, in order to move toward achieving Burundi’s vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. He asked them to organize their families well, respecting Burundian customs and traditions.
The President of the Republic requested that certain customs which could hinder household development, such as those relating to inheritance sharing, be clearly defined in legal texts.
He urged various banks, especially the Women’s Investment and Development Bank (BIDF), to support women’s projects by building their capacity to set up and manage projects, and facilitating their access to self-development loans.
The Head of State also advised women to prioritize farming projects. He called on the entire population, in general, to avoid laziness and each to contribute their part in safeguarding peace and tightening security.
For her part, the leader of the National Women’s Forum, Mrs. Emérence Bucumi, praised the government’s efforts regarding Burundian women’s rights, including the representation of women in various institutions, the establishment of the Women’s Investment and Development Bank (BIDF), school canteens that facilitate schooling including for girls, and others.
She deplored, however, the continued presence of domestic violence in some households and called for sanctions against perpetrators in accordance with the law.
She urged women and girls to participate in the upcoming elections to elect and get elected. International Women’s Day 2025 was celebrated under the theme: “Women, pillars of development: let us remember them to achieve our country’s vision 2040 and 2060.” The day was marked by a long parade of women from across the country and the presentation of awards to men and women who have distinguished themselves in the fight for women’s rights.