Dushirehamwe is one of Burundi's leading grassroots networks of women’s peacebuilders operating in 10 provinces. It comprises provincial and communal committees, 158 trainers, 390 women leaders and mediators and over 9,000 members across the country.
The network is engaging women in peacebuilding efforts ranging from conflict resolution to early warning, human rights protection and the fight against gender-based violence.
Dushirehamwe works toward the following goals:
- Strengthening the capacity of Burundian women and institutional and organisational capacity of member groups to conduct conflict analysis for a sustainable peace.
- Bridging the gap between women from various ethnic groups in order to promote positive solidarity and mutual trust.
- Promoting the protection of human rights and national reconciliation.
- Supporting women's initiatives for socio-economic self-promotion.
Major achievements
In order to foster grassroots reconciliation, Dushirehamwe initiated and promoted community reconciliation and facilitated dialogue among displaced women, female ex-combatants and those who live in the hills, especially in the provinces of Rutana and Ruyigi.
Another achievement is the organising of numerous training workshops for women community leaders in conflict transformation, leading to greater female participation in politics.
Success story
The establishment of a community radio called ‘Ijwi ry’Umukenyezi’ (Voice of the Woman) that operates for six hours every day in Giheta commune, Gitega province greatly contributes to providing space for community members to express their views. They have the possibility of choosing themes to be broadcasted. Themes are mainly related to community development especially to strengthening and consolidating peace and conflict resolution, agriculture, livestock, hygienic and sanitary issues, health, HIV/AIDS, environment, girls’ education, human rights, development and gender, democracy and good governance.
Testimonies about the impact of radio can be found here http://community.telecentre.org/profiles/blogs/radio-ijwi-ry-umukenyezi-voice.
