MUKAZA, March 9 (ABP) – Burundian media have been called upon to promote the rights and justice for women living with disabilities. The call was made during a workshop held on March 6, 2026, in Bujumbura by the Burundian Association for the Promotion of the Rights of Women with Disabilities (ABPDFH-Urumuri). The meeting was part of International Women’s Day activities.
The purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness among media professionals about their role in combating discrimination against women with disabilities.
The deputy chairperson of ABPDFH-Urumuri, Diane Nininahazwe, stated that that initiative aimed to strengthen collaboration between the association and the media. She hopes that the media will contribute more to amplifying the voices of women living with disabilities.
According to her, these women face multiple forms of marginalization. They encounter difficulties accessing education, employment, health services, and justice. Ms. Nininahazwe also highlighted that they are often victims of gender-based violence and social exclusion.
For her part, Adélaïde Nyigina, deputy chairperson of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, said that women with disabilities in Burundi are particularly exposed to discrimination. According to her, these discriminations are sometimes more severe than those faced by men with disabilities.
She mentioned the difficulties in accessing health services, especially during childbirth. In some maternity facilities, the infrastructure is not adapted, making it harder to care for women with disabilities.
She also noted the discrimination observed in some families. During inheritance distribution, some women with disabilities are excluded or receive a smaller share.
During the workshop, Noëlla Niyonizeye, a young woman living with a disability, shared her experience. She explained that she faced difficulties finding a job after completing her studies but regained confidence by joining an association of persons with disabilities.
Participants emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach in reporting information. They encouraged the media to use respectful language and to give more attention to issues related to disability and gender.
At the end of the meeting, women living with disabilities made several recommendations. They asked the media to include more topics related to their rights in their programs. They also called on the Burundian government to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting persons with disabilities and to promote inclusive policies.