CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY IN BURUNDI.

Honour certificate to the First Lady 

"Protection of the environment: key to food security and empowerment of women". This was the national theme of the Women's Day, celebrated worldwide on 8 March 2017. The ceremonies were held in the province of Ruyigi under the patronage of Her Excellency Reverend Denise Nkurunziza, the First Lady of Burundi.

As this day was created as a result of the demands of women's rights, those who took the allocutions appreciated the step already taken in the empowerment of women in Burundi. The UNFPA Resident Representative, Mrs. Suzanne Ngo Mandong, commended the government's efforts to protect women. "It is clear from the legal point of view that the Constitution of Burundi is a constitution recognized as progressive in to ensure equal rights for all Burundian citizens, in this case, the rights of women and girls ".

In her speech, the First Lady of the country announced that the 8th of March celebration should be a self-assessment for all Burundian women. She also advised women: "You cannot protect the environment in a country you do not like. You must first love your country and you will have the spirit to protect it. "

The First Lady also recommended women to be honest in their work, to be responsible in their families, and be assiduous at work. "A woman of integrity cannot be absent from work at any time, and must be punctual," said Reverend Denise Nkurunziza.

The ceremonies were also enhanced by the dignitary ladies, the First Vice of the Senate, some members of the senate and parliament, some members of the government, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China and France, and International organisations.

The Minister of Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender, Martin Nivyabandi finally handed certificates of honour to the exemplary women among who was the wife of the Head of State, Her Excellency Rev. Denise Nkurunziza, and athlete Francine Niyonsaba.

THE FIRST LADY DENISE NKURUNZIZA RESTARTED HER TOUR FOR TEACHING WOMEN LEADERS AND YOUTH

family photo of women leaders at Karusi

After having made a tour in nine provinces in 2016, for the mobilization of women leaders and youth about the wisdom from God, the maternal health, the fight against the HIV/SIDA and the obstetric fistula, and the social cohesion, the First Lady Denise Nkurunziza restarted on 20 January 2017 another tour in Karusi Province, where she met women leaders in the morning and young people in the afternoon. The activities have been unrolled in room of "Le Résident hotel”, where women in leadership were gathered.  

In that occasion, The First Lady of Burundi reminded the women leaders that their responsibility is not only limited to the job, but also they must take a familial responsibility by educating their children and seriously doing their duties of the family. She referred her teachings to proverbs 14: 1: "Every wise woman builds her family, but a foolish plucks it by her own arms". She said that wisdom is a great force for woman to build the family and the wisdom keeper is only God. Then, H.E Rev. Denise Nkurunziza recommended them to pray God in order to receive wisdom which can help them to work functionally. She also advised them to be keepers of the peace and security.

In health field, the First Lady of Burundi advised the women leaders to take care their bodies by going to hospital when they feel bad. She recommended them to avoid against HIV/Sida, obstetric fistula and cervical cancer. She also gave other instructions about the reproductive health.

In the meeting with youth, Her Excellency Denise Nkurunziza reminded the youth that they have the force to do Excellency works. She recommended them to have a vision which can guide them in the journey of life. She also advised them to give respect to the parents as the Bible says. "You have to fight against the adultery and drunkenness; when you become pregnant it affects the development of the country", said the First Lady Denise Nkurunziza.