Women’s political participation

Burundian Women from various associations, activists, parliamentarians as well as women of Burundian Diaspora with the support of Partners’ Synergy for Women Promotion (SPPDF) were gathered together this August26, 2014 at City Hill Hotel, to exchange ideas and be sensitized on increasing women’s influence and participation in various institutions.-By Yves Didier Irakoze

Marie Louise Baricako: “If women want or need a good position and imposed themselves in a bigger number in various institutions, they have and must do it by positive influence and excelling.” ©Iwacu

“I’m satisfied with the presence of Burundian women in various institutions and in the decision making spheres, but they have to work hard and bring positive influence” says Minani Pascasie, a Burundian now living in Canada. She goes on saying that women have to be curious and increase their knowledge in order to build their capacity. According to Marie Louise Baricako, Consultant in Leadership of Transformation, women have to develop and be interested in positive leadership. To achieve this, women have to be encouraged and to engage in politics. “We need women to be sensitized, influence and be engaged positively without any discrimination and wherever each women is, fills the vacuum.”

Louise Baricako is satisfied with the step for their representation in institutions. However, she says, much remains to be done. There are still institutions where women are not represented and when they are represented, men outnumber them greatly. Consequently, their voices are drowned. But, Louise Baricako says, we owe much thanks to those who believe in their ability and give them the opportunity to represent other women. If women want to show their ability and have many followers, they must show good leadership and a clear vision. Women have to be conscious about their position in society and mobilize each other to stand up in support of the ‘Gender Agenda’.

Louise Baricako also urges the Burundian leaders to set up a space for each people to contribute and develop their country without anyone left behind. The consultant calls upon everyone: All of us have a mission to lead our country positively and develop it strongly if not we will be unfaithful for our beloved country. The consultant says: “There are no excuses for failing this mission. With excuses one doesn’t develop or rebuild a country.” Women have to lead by example, so that people can copy and imitate them. “If women want or need a good position and imposed themselves in a bigger number in various institutions, they have and must do it by positive influence and excelling”, Marie Louise Baricako concludes.