BUJUMBURA 10th (ABP) – The Association of Repatriated Women from Burundi, AFRABU in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) presented on Wednesday March 6, 2024, the results of the two studies, namely the Comparative Study the consideration of gender in the 2015-2020 legislation on the level of participation of women and girls in decision-making bodies and positions and the study on the evaluation of the participation of women in decision-making bodies decision, 2023 edition.
On that occasion, independent consultant Salvator Ndayegamiye indicated that since 2016, AFRABU has been conducting studies to use it in advocacy, in order to influence inclusive policies and practices within Burundi. One of those studies is the evaluation of the participation of women in decision-making bodies and in peace processes in all sectors and at all levels. The most recent is 2023, he added.
It also showed that given the importance of those studies carried out, it is important that the different stakeholders in terms of the participation of women and girls can have insight into the results of those studies.
He recommended that each of the partners in that matter be able to contribute effectively as far as they are concerned for the effective participation of women and girls in decision-making bodies and positions.
Mr. Ndayegamiye also indicated that the comparative study of the consideration of gender in the 2015-2020 legislation is complementary to the studies already carried out in 2016, because they are all focused on the participation of women and girls in decision-making bodies and positions.
He also pointed out that its particularity is that it focuses quantitatively and qualitatively on the place given to women and girls within political parties, their positioning on electoral lists as well as the consideration of gender in appointments by presidential decree.
The study was initiated in the current context where Burundi is preparing for the 2025-2027 elections, a certain number of texts governing girls and women are being developed.
The consultant demonstrated that considering the 34 political parties approved in Burundi, only 5 are led by women, or 14.7%. According to him, article 33 of the law on political parties which mentions gender, by establishing the minimum of 30% in the governing bodies of parties at the national level has not been respected.
He also reported that the representation of women on the electoral lists of candidates in 2015 was 33.3%, while in 2020 it was 36.8%.
Mr. Ndayegamiye also indicated that for the 2020 elections, there were 17 independents including 3 women, or 17.6%.
Faced with that situation, the consultant suggested that it is necessary to show the importance of political participation and express the concern to see women become more committed to running, also in an independent capacity. According to him, during the next elections in 2025, the representation of women in an independent capacity will exceed 17.6%.
Regarding the obstacles to the equitable participation of women in decision-making bodies and positions, he listed traditional norms and beliefs, the economic dependence of women on men, overburdening them with obligations family responsibilities falling on Burundian women, the deficit in terms of instruction, education and information and finally the inequitable national legal framework.
On that occasion, he proposed actions to be taken including: information and awareness-raising among decision-makers and legislators on the issues of women’s participation, changing mentalities in favor of female leadership, strengthening women’s capacities and girls as well as the establishment of an equitable legal framework for men and women in terms of participation.