Burundi

UNDP Burundi

has achieved the Gold Gender Equality Seal Certification!

In a challenging national context characterized by growing backlash on gender equality, UNDP Burundi has managed to keep gender equality at the forefront of the office’s agenda. The office’s knowledge of the country’s prevailing socio-cultural influencing factors has contributed to strong and context-based innovative solutions. Valued by diverse partners and stakeholders, UNDP Burundi has played a critical role in strengthening and promoting women’s political participation, ensuring women’s role in peacebuilding and community social cohesion, enhancing women’s land ownership rights and in developing holistic services to survivors of SGBV.

"The gold Gender Seal is a great recognition of UNDP staff and partner efforts – but its also a new challenge to multiply our efforts and maintain the GOLD standard in our work."

– Mathieu Ciowela, Resident Representative UNDP Burundi

Some key achievements include:

Engendering National Policies

In a challenging context characterized by pervasive trauma from prolonged political unrest and socio-cultural constraints, UNDP Burundi has been critical in advancing gender equality through national policies, including through passing the “National Policy to fight sexual harassment at the workplace in the public administration.” The CO has also worked closely with the Ministry of Justice for better treatment and management of women in prisons.

Women’s land rights

UNDP Burundi has supported the effective access and ownership of women’s right to own land, through the certification of land titles which is having catalytic impact on access to credit, economic opportunities, and community recognition.

Accelerating a survivor-centered response to gender-based violence

UNDP Burundi is a key contributor to prevent and address gender-based violence through the development of “one-stop centre” for survivors of gender-based violence and a rapid response system for women’s protection in collaboration with the National Police and NGOs.

Breaking gender stereotypes

UNDP Burundi is changing the role of women in communities, in terms of women's perception and engagement in peace-building initiatives. The office engaged and mobilized various stakeholders, promoting women’s management of natural resources and women in male dominated professions such as local construction projects through the “Fonds d’investissement communal.”

Select good practices and innovations in advancing foundational elements of gender equality:

A positive workplace atmosphere to advance gender equality, including through innovative initiatives like the recruitment of Youth to form the “Next Generation” of Young Professionals and a committee for career development for female staff.

The CO is forging a pathway for the development of gender-budgeting in local communities as well as implementing a micro-finance mechanism for women’s access to finances.

Active use of an intersectional “leave no one behind” approach by prioritizing women from minorities, such as the Batwa.