According to a study revealed by the association of repatriated women (AFRABU), of the 30% representation of women in the Burundi’s public institutions as per the constitution the new study revealed that women representation stood at 18 percent.
The study was conducted in a course of five years with the primary objective of improving women’s participation in decision-making and inclusiveness in peace and security processes in Burundi.
“Blockades that women are confronted to in terms of political inclusion are divided into three including individual, institutional, and sociocultural. In order to provide an effective change the tripartite should be tackled at the same time by availing a favourable environment as for women to reach a sustainable and equal participation in institutions,” said Zénon Manirakiza a consultant at AFRABU.
The study highlighted that the representativeness of women stood at 18 percent in 2019, with minimal variations in evolution or regression for the sectors analysed.
Women participation in peace and patriotism initiatives increased by 19 percent from 32 percent in 2016 to 60 percent in 2019.
However women representation in the same filed decreased to 40 percent in 2016 and to 41% in 2018, as for the case of post general directors that registered a cumulative evolution of 15 percent while the assistants to ministers recorded 21 percent.
According to the study stagnation was observed in various sectors both elective and non-elective.
Godeliève Manirakiza AFRABU chairperson said that women participation in instances of decision-making enables them to fight inequalities and social inclusion.
“Burundi constitution provides 30 percent of women which means that out of 3 to elected one should be a woman. Up to now it has been theoretical we never reached an overall of 30 percent,” said the AFRABU chairperson.
According to the study 18 percent of political and decision making positions represent women while 12 percent dwell in technical posts which women do not access.
The women associations with the likes of AFJO (Association des Femmes Journalistes) a French acronym criticized Burundi culture which places women far behind men, also considering women to be weak and unable to compete with men.
According to Diane Ndonse the president of AFJO, training should be intensified to sensitize women’s role in the society especially to get rid of cultural prejudices.
For different women advocates, women’s participation in instances of decision-making should be a priority in effort to fight inequalities perceived as an obligation to an effective development. It is an attention to find solution to society’s management of affairs, which has been perceived as structural injustice.