Human Rights Ministry launches sixteen days of activism against VBG in Kirundo

Burundi government has launched 16 days of activism against violence based on gender in Kirundo Province. Minister of Human Rights says the number of victims of gender based violence has significantly decreased in Burundi although there still remain some challenges.

Martin Nivyabandi calls upon local administratives officials to change their mentality and fight against gender based violence in their locality

The official ceremonies took place in Bugabira Commune of Kirundo Province this 27 November.
Alain Tribert Mutabazi, Kirundo Governor has said the number of victims of gender based violence has significantly reduced in Kirundo Province.

He refers to the number of unwanted pregnancies among young female students. “105 girls became pregnant during the 2016/2017 school year while they were only 70 in the 2017/2018 school year,” he says. He, however, adds the number of school dropouts has not decreased. School dropouts moved from 1400 cases in the 2016/2017 school year to 1600 cases in the 2017/2018 school year.

Kirundo Governor says the 16 days of activism against gender based violence will help administrative officials raise the public awareness to the fight against gender based violence. “Sensitization campaigns will contribute to the reduction of cases of gender based violence. There are women and girls who still experience gender-based violence in our province,” he says adding that projects aimed at empowering women and girls should be supported.

Martin Nivyabandi, Minister of Human Rights, Gender and Social Affairs says the number of victims of gender based violence has significantly reduced thanks to the sensitization campaigns conducted by the development centers for families and communities. “A high number of women visit those centers and report all kinds of violence that undermine their development,” he says.

He, however, deplores some cases of local administrative officials who still protect perpetrators instead of punishing them. Martin Nivyabandi calls upon them to change their mentality and fight against gender based violence in their locality. “By so doing, human rights will be protected,” he concludes.

Sixteen days of activism against Gender Based violence started from 25 November, the International Day dedicated to the Elimination of Violence against Women, and will end on 10 December, the Human Rights Day.