BUJUMBURA, April 22nd (ABP) – “Women leaders must serve as role models for other women and help them become aware of their rights.” Those were the words of Jacques Ndihokubwayo, advisor in charge of planning at the directorate general for the promotion of women and gender equality in the ministry of national solidarity, social affairs, human rights, and gender, during an interview with ABP on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Bujumbura.
Ndihokubwayo first emphasized that the impact of women leaders on women’s political participation in Burundi is significant. He explained that those female leaders can be found in many spheres. Some are already engaged in politics and have the responsibility to prepare and inspire others by serving as role models. Others are active in churches, associations, or various sectors of national life, also playing a role in support and awareness-raising. Those women have the duty to raise awareness about women’s rights, particularly in rural areas where, according to him, even those who have attended school are often unaware of their rights. He pointed out that knowing their rights gives women the opportunity to claim them. Among those, he cited the right to freedom of expression, the right to vote, the right to be elected, and the right to join a political party.
He also pointed out that awareness campaigns conducted by women leaders at the community level are of vital importance. According to him, when women leaders explain how to manage household assets, how decision-making within the household should be carried out, showing that if the man and woman make decisions together, it benefits the family, that has a positive impact. He added that if a woman joins a political party, it opens new horizons for her. Likewise, he added, if she joins a self-development group, it is also for the good of the household. Those awareness efforts bring real added value, as they help men understand the importance of giving time and attention to their wives.
According to Ndihokubwayo, women leaders also mentor other women in groups by teaching them how to develop income-generating activities. He explained that if a woman has resources in addition to those provided by the man, and the household income increases, the family’s ability to meet its needs is strengthened. That also allows the woman to develop self-esteem, which can encourage her to run for political office. He gave the example of a woman who runs a business: she can offer jobs to other women and young girls. For herself, it is an opportunity to grow, as she gains knowledge, skills, and access to material resources. Such a woman can easily join a political party, not merely to accompany others, but with a clear vision of serving others.
Still according to Ndihokubwayo, women leaders who already hold political positions, such as communal administrators or village chiefs, play a major role in promoting women’s rights and their empowerment. Those women are aware of the difficulties other women face and are committed to helping them. He gave the example of a woman who is a victim of domestic violence and seeks help from a female village chief. The chief takes the time to listen attentively in order to find a favorable solution for the victim.
He explained that when development partners intervene in a locality led by a woman, she will prioritize women in the programs being implemented. Those programs contribute to women’s empowerment and the respect of their rights. Feeling supported, women will seek to broaden their horizons, get involved in political parties and develop development projects. Thus, he continued, the number of women joining political parties and accessing decision-making bodies will continue to grow. Women leaders also have a key role to play in transforming communities by working to eliminate the barriers that hinder the full enjoyment of women’s rights.
As for the challenges, Ndihokubwayo indicated that social and cultural norms still tend to relegate women to a secondary role, mainly confining them to household chores and family obligations. He therefore suggested that family members support each other more in order to better share responsibilities. He also emphasized the importance of giving women better access to technological means that could ease their domestic burden, such as access to clean water, electricity, or equipment like grain mills.
Additionally, he noted some men’s reluctance to see their wives involved in politics, which further underscores the need to conduct awareness campaigns on positive masculinity.