BUJUMBURA, March 13th (ABP) – Women are the pillars of household and national development, said Mrs. Salomé Nibogora, advisor to the Cooperative of Women Artists and Artisans of Burundi (COFAAB), in an interview with a check by ABP.
The 56-year old woman said she began practicing basketry at the age of 13. Thanks to her commitment to this craft, she joined COFAAB. This is how she was able to transform her life and that of her family in a remarkable way. She testified that she purchased a plot of land where she lives with her family. She was also able to pay her children’s school fees.
Mrs. Nibogora explained that her profession generated income through her participation in the JUWA KALI and SABA SABA fairs, where she benefited from a valuable opportunity to improve her living conditions. She added that these important commercial events allowed her to earn foreign currency by selling her basketry products within the cooperative.
She took the opportunity to point out that women contribute significantly to the country’s economy. She explained that the foreign currency earned during those trade fairs is exchanged for the local currency, which contributes to improving the country’s trade balance.
Despite the economic benefits generated by basketry, Nibogora highlighted some of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the field. These include the lack of the essential raw material called “ubugwegwe” (plant fiber). Therefore, she took the opportunity to request land from the State to cultivate the raw materials used in basketry and other support from both local and international organizations to improve their working conditions. She made a passionate appeal to other women artists to join associations like COFAAB and participate in income-generating activities, explaining that, like her, they could improve their situation and that of their families by investing in crafts like basketry, which not only generate income but also provide knowledge and financial independence.
Regarding the annual celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Mrs. Nibogora emphasized that this day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made and highlight the efforts of women. She asked those who hide behind this day to show disrespect for their spouses or indulge in insolent gestures to reflect on the value of harmony within their homes. She explained that this day is not intended to create divisions, but rather to foster unity and strengthen relationships based on mutual respect between men and women. Mutual respect is the key to a healthy relationship and a balanced family, she recalled. We must remain faithful to customs and traditions, she concluded.