Burundian women poorly represented in entrepreneurship, says Women in Action

In the context of the celebration of the African Woman’s Day on July 31st, African Women in Action, a local NGO says Burundian women face several challenges that hinder their development.

Mia Nicole Uwimana: “There should be political measures aimed at supporting women financially”

“Although women are endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, some of them are not supported by their society and partners,” says Mia Nicole Uwimana, Founder and CEO of African Women in Action adding that a Burundian woman needs to be understood by the society.

Mrs. Uwimana says Burundian women confront several challenges related to cultural and financial stereotypes when they undertake entrepreneurial activities.
“Women are often considered as weak, emotional and are expected to fail in their activities,” she says adding that emancipated women are often considered as wicked and dangerous for the society.

She also says Burundian women are limited when it comes to the management of financial assets in households. “Women’s place in entrepreneurship as a profession is still inappropriate,” she adds.
Mrs. Uwimana says that progress has been made though there is still a lot to be done. “There are women who have already started their own businesses and prospered,” she says adding that women should celebrate their partial victories to achieve more.

She suggests that women be supported in their business activities. “There should be political measures aimed at supporting women especially those who lack financial means to implement their projects,” she says.

“High taxes imposed on companies and lack of finance constitute a challenge to new businesses,” says Salomé Nitegeka, Managing Director of a Company of Consultancy, Construction and General Supply.
She says banks should lower interest rates on loans especially for new companies. “The government should allow new companies to work without paying taxes for five years,” she also says.
Mrs. Nitegeka calls on other women to start their own businesses so they can develop themselves, their families and the country.

The founder of African Women in Action says the African Woman’s Day was established to promote the African women, value their capacities, activities and achievements.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on the role of African women in promoting peace and development in their countries,” she adds.

July 31st was dedicated to the “African Woman’s Day” on the occasion of the first congress of the Pan-African Women’s Organization-PAWO held in Dakar, Senegal on July 31, 1974.