UNICEF supports girls' empowerment for a more prosperous future

In line with the celebration of International Women's Rights Day 2024, UNICEF's office in Burundi organized an exchange session around this year's theme: "Invest in women: accelerate progress." The aim of the meeting was to strengthen staff knowledge and experiences of the challenges faced by adolescent girls and UNICEF's interventions on their behalf.

By tackling persistent challenges and investing in sustainable solutions, UNICEF aims to contribute to a fairer and more prosperous future for all adolescent girls in Burundi.

During the session, participants identified obstacles and persistent challenges to girls' empowerment and exchanged best practices and concrete solutions to accelerate progress. The discussion was inspired by the five priorities expressed by adolescent girls in a survey through the U-report tool, namely: access to education and skills for adolescent girls; sexual education; strengthening the capacities of parents and guardians; financial education and professional skills; and financial security.

Through the survey results, UNICEF gathered the opinions and expectations of adolescent girls regarding their concerns, which will guide and accelerate interventions in favor of adolescent girls, as the office implements its new program document for 2024-2027.

With 28,332 adolescents who responded to the survey, access to education and reproductive health topped the list, with 42% of girls and 46% of boys.  Their second highest priority was making decisions about their bodies, with 42% of girls and 43% of boys. Several barriers were identified in the survey, including women's and girls' access to primary health care services and immunization, with 44% responding that women's multiple roles in the household are one of the main gender-related challenges. When asked about cultural norms that prevent men and boys from fully playing their role as fathers, 28% mentioned gender stereotypes as an obstacle. To the question of barriers that discourage women and men from using healthcare facilities, 42% said that lack of financial means is the main barrier; and finally, to the question "what do you propose to make healthcare services more gender-sensitive?", 32% of the respondents recommend the increase of financing in the healthcare sector.

Despite advancements, the development and empowerment of girls and women are hindered by the existence of socio-cultural barriers entrenched in traditions and social norms, posing major challenges to female empowerment, and hindering their full potential.

UNICEF will continue to work with adolescents, families, communities, and government partners to create a more favorable environment for girls' development. Aligning with the national theme of International Women's Day: "Let's walk together with women in development by increasing production," the organization is committed to continuing its fight for female empowerment and building a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

These fruitful exchanges allowed the UNICEF team to reaffirm its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, which is crucial, particularly to ensure children's well-being.

The women colleagues then got together for an experience-sharing session on how women can be productive at work and develop their careers, while continuing to play their role as mothers and meet the demands of the family. It was a touching moment, marked by testimonials and advice from fellow women, enhancing their well-being and development.