Women at the heart of peace in Burundi

Rumonge, Burundi, April 29, 2025 – The project “Connecting Global to Local: Strengthening Women’s Leadership for Localizing UN Security Council Resolution 1325,” funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), has officially concluded after over three years of impactful activities. The initiative has left a lasting mark on peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, and inclusive governance in Burundi.

Implemented by a consortium of national and international organizations in partnership with the Burundian government and UN Women, the project significantly enhanced women's roles in conflict prevention and resolution. It led to the creation of a structured network of women mediators, the resolution of over 34,000 community conflicts, and the economic empowerment of more than 5,000 women through income-generating activities (IGAs).

“This project helped position women mediators as essential actors in peace processes while equipping them with economic tools to sustain their autonomy,” said one of the beneficiaries during the project’s closing workshop.

The results highlight a strong commitment to inclusive development, sustainable peace, and women’s empowerment:

Leadership and Participation

• 741 women leaders involved in local development planning.
• 910 women leaders and 16 men trained in savings and credit management, and business plan development.

Conflict Prevention and Social Cohesion

• 34,000 community conflicts resolved.
• 6,023 trauma cases supported, with a 61% success rate.
• 36,449 community dialogues organized.
• 1,189 specific dialogues held with 43,786 participants, 65% of whom were women.
• 895 women with strengthened capacities:
  • 411 trained in mediation and conflict prevention.
  • 474 members of local committees trained on gender-sensitive issues.

Economic Empowerment

• 513 women’s groups supported, including 155 directly financed, benefiting 4,651 women and 612 men.
• 4,507 individuals (including 3,957 women and girls) sensitized on cooperative development and informed about financial services.
• 16 groups monitored for compliance with hygiene standards, and 48 women mediators and 7 men strengthened in production processes (by the Burundian Bureau of Standards).

Technical Training and Product Development

• 127 women trained in good hygiene practices, food processing, and packaging by the National Center for Food Technology (CNTA).
• 25 women trained in the valorization of palm oil and its by-products (household soap, organic fertilizer).
• 16 women strengthened in solid soap production and the use of palm oil derivatives.
• 15 women trained in modern palm processing techniques, 8 of whom now operate the equipment.

Psychosocial Support

• 14,190 individuals received psychosocial assistance.

One of the outstanding accomplishments was the launch of a semi-industrial palm oil processing plant in Karonda, operated by the Dukundane Cooperative (185 members, including 175 women). The plant produces about 3,000 liters of palm oil daily, with strict hygiene standards upheld through guidance from National Center for Food Technology and Burundian Bureau of Standardization and Quality Control.

An Integrated, Sustainable Approach

The project prioritized integrating women mediators into local peace and security structures, while connecting them with national decision-makers. This strategic linkage proved effective: today, 75% of national authorities view these women as legitimate and effective peacebuilding partners.

Despite challenges—including fuel shortages, power outages, and social resistance to change—the project demonstrated that with strong women’s participation, community-based approaches, and institutional support, transformative outcomes are possible.

Looking Ahead

Project partners have recommended:

• Scaling the model to other regions;
• Continued professional training in leadership, business management, and quality control;
• Establishment of dedicated funding mechanisms for women and girls;
• Strengthened institutional partnerships to ensure sustainability.

This initiative affirms a vital truth: sustainable peace is impossible without the full and active inclusion of women at all levels. In Burundi, that inclusion is now taking root—and flourishing.