BUJUMBURA, February 27th (ABP) – The trade of builder’s helper is no longer the monopoly of men, according to the assertions of women practising this trade, met on Monday 24 February 2025, in the Jabe district, in the urban area of Bwiza, at the construction site of a multi-storey building.
The women said they were proud of their work, despite the fact that their daily wage of ten thousand Burundi francs was no longer enough to feed their children, due to the high cost of food on the market.
“Thanks to this job, I’m able to afford my midday meal while I’m on the site, and to meet some of my children’s needs,” said a daughter and mother of three who lives with her parents.
However, she would like to see an increase in the daily wage for a bricklayer’s helper because, in her opinion, it’s a tiring job that involves working long hours, from 7.30am to 4pm.
To women who are afraid to take up this trade, saying that they have no strength, this daughter-mother advises them not to underestimate themselves any longer, but rather to take up various trades, even those considered to be the monopoly of men.
Another married woman working in this trade said that the ten thousand francs she earns every day contributes to the survival of her household.
“Before I started my job, my husband couldn’t meet all the family needs, but with my contribution, the basic necessities are met,” she said.
“This job is tiring like so many others, and women get tired like men, except for the lazy ones”, she confided, adding that the most important thing is to earn money.
These women are making a vibrant appeal to their fellow women not to underestimate themselves or their trade, so that they can be financially independent and contribute to the development of their families and the country.