BUJUMBURA May 9th (ABP) – The Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, Mrs. Imelde Sabushimike proceeded Friday, May 6, 2022 in her cabinet, to the presentation of the great achievements of this ministry for the third quarter of 2021-2022 (January, February, March 2022).
During her presentation, Ms. Sabushimike said that her ministry carries out its activities through three major fundamental axes, including social protection, the promotion of human rights, the advancement of women and gender equality.
In terms of social protection, many actions have been carried out. She cited 5,654 vulnerable patients who were assisted out of 2,000 planned and 6,000 elderly people had access to health care and services.
In this same context, 1,500 households of disaster victims and other vulnerable groups were assisted with food and non-food items out of the 2,500 planned, 150 disabled people were trained in tailoring, welding-electricity and baking. Regarding support for families who have given birth to triplets, the ministry has assisted 88 families with natura milk, baby kit as well as food for infants and food and non-food for their mothers. She added that the ministry welcomed and assisted with food, medical care and accommodation for 873 children removed from the streets and reinserted 499 children in street situations.
At the level of the INSS, 949 fishermen’s bosses have been affiliated and 2,811 fishermen registered. During the procedures for the forced recovery of arrears in contributions and late payment surcharges for debtor employers, an amount of 1,871,255,422 BIF in arrears was recovered. At the level of the Civil Service Mutual Fund, 38,777 biometric cards were produced, and the Civil Service Mutual Fund agency was opened in Cibitoke as well as the opening of the MFP counter and pharmacy in Mivo hospital in Ngozi province.
At the level of the “MERANKABANDI” project, 6,000 beneficiaries were added and received their cash transfers and 42,575 beneficiaries were reinforced on different behavior change modules.
In terms of the advancement of women and gender equality, she said that her ministry has supported 900 women and 600 girls to carry out income-generating activities in the provinces of Gitega, Muyinga, Ruyigi, Mwaro, Ngozi and Kayanza. The ministry also organized the official opening of the Bank for Investment and Development of Women (BIDF) and carried out two visits to monitor its operation.
The ministry responsible for gender organized two training sessions for 100 deaf and dumb people on the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. In the Humura center, 30 alleged perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence were arrested and 192 victims of SGBV were given legal and psychological support. The ministry was also able to reconcile 56 couples and assisted 47 victims housed in the said center. Mrs. Sabushimike ended her speech by stating that in general, the activities planned during these 3 months were carried out at a satisfactory level of 94.4%.