KIRUNDO, April 3rd (ABP) – The “Merankabandi” project to support productive social safety nets and employment, via the Pathfinder organisation, which is the implementing partner of the “Support measures for the development of human capital (MACH)”, has organised Hinduringendo days in all the communes of Kirundo province (north), in connection with the day dedicated to women. The theme chosen was: “Women, pillars of development, let’s support them to achieve the vision 2040-2060”.
At the same time, interactive question-and-answer programmes were organised to assess the knowledge of Merankabandi project beneficiaries and raise public awareness. Prizes consisting of loincloths, radios, cans, buckets, cups and soap were awarded to the best respondents.
To conclude the project’s activities, the Merankabandi team organized a conference-debate specifically for representatives of sectors identified as potential partners.
Virginie Cimpaye, the governor’s adviser in charge of development, gave a presentation on the empowerment of Burundian women in general and women in Kirundo province in particular. In her presentation, she pointed out that it is important for women’s rights to be the same as men’s, particularly with regard to the right to vote, the right to freedom, social and economic rights, and so on.
According to Mrs Cimpaye, women play a productive role through agriculture and handicrafts. She is a community leader, helping to manage conflicts and maintain social cohesion more than even her male counterpart. According to that official, financial inclusion has evolved in Kirundo province. Women are creating their own income-generating activities and joining together in savings and credit groups and cooperatives for their own development. They are saving in microfinances. The aim is to do everything possible to reduce poverty, which limits the development of human beings in general and women in particular.