GITEGA, March 11 (ABP) – Burundi joined the rest of the world on March 9, 2026, to celebrate International Women’s Rights Day, commemorated each year on March 8. This year it was celebrated under the theme: “The role of women in the promotion of human rights and inclusive justice.” The national ceremonies took place at Ingoma Stadium in the city of Gitega, in the presence of the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by the First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye and various high-ranking authorities of the country.
The festivities began with a long parade of women from various public and private institutions carrying placards. The parade concluded with the participation of young girls and women working within the defense and security forces.
In his speech, the president of the Republic, Evariste Ndayishimiye, referring to the theme of this edition, recalled that state institutions remain the guarantors of these principles. He emphasized that women already holding positions of responsibility in the public administration must serve as examples in promoting equity and justice. He reiterated that if all citizens are equal before the law, the country expects a contribution from everyone according to their capacities.
The Head of State urged women to defend any victim of injustice, citing as examples the legendary figures of Inamujandi and Ririkumutima, while encouraging them to show exemplary behavior. He took that opportunity to congratulate women who cultivate excellence, notably his wife for her social actions, including the construction of the Urumuri center (dedicated to the treatment of women suffering from obstetric fistula) and the introduction of in vitro fertilization at the Umugiraneza Polyclinic.
“Thanks to these initiatives, many families today are rediscovering joy,” he specified. He invited them to always ensure, within their communities, that authorities protect citizens and sanction deviant behavior.
Regarding the allocation of positions of responsibility within the administration, the Head of State specified that not being appointed to certain functions does not mean being excluded. He explained that managing the country does not consist of sharing out positions, as he explained that high-level functions represent only 2,000 positions for a population of more than 12 million inhabitants. “Positions of responsibility remain limited and the people who access them are chosen from among a large number of candidates.
Women and men are equal; there are no positions reserved exclusively for women. Burundian women must continue to demonstrate their abilities so that the nation entrusts them with more responsibilities,” he declared.
Responding the challenge of lack of resources for the Burundi Women’s Forum, President Ndayishimiye indicated that from now on funds are granted on the basis of the activities planned in the annual work plan and budget (PTBA).
He asked the leaders of this forum to prepare the activities to be carried out so that the State can grant them the necessary resources, but that these funds must be used to implement concrete and visible activities, and not to organize simple meetings.
The President finally asked women to strengthen the education of children. He deplored the emergence of a behavior where a girl marries a boy she does not love, but only for his possessions, which quickly leads to a separation (divorce), whereas the woman has a decisive role in consolidating the family.
He indicated that Burundian society needs households founded on love and mutual understanding between men and women. He also recalled that the woman is the source of happiness within the household.
He encouraged women to protect their families and to avoid destroying their homes to seek others, which is why he announced the upcoming organization of awareness sessions on the vision of the Burundian family of tomorrow.
Taking the floor, Madeleine Bamwizere, deputy representative of the National Women’s Forum, praised the progress made in the promotion of women in Burundi.
She notably cited the trust granted to women in occupying high state functions, including in fields that were previously less accessible to them, such as the highest judiciary or certain leadership positions in strategic institutions.
Note that during those ceremonies, in addition to the First Lady, several other women received certificates in recognition of their commitment to the promotion of women’s rights.