Promoting Gender Equality in Burundi

Daniella Niteka holds her award from the Burundian Women Journalists Association

SFCG Burundi has received another honor! This time, for our work around gender. Studio Ijambo journalist, Daniella Niteka (who, along with other Studio Ijambo Staff, was recently honored by UNHCR) received the Gender and Media Award of the Burundian Women Journalists Association (AFJO).

AFJO, honored Daniella for an episode of the radio program Isanganiro ry’urwaruka (Youth Meeting Point). The award-winning episode focused on women holding elected positions in various districts of the country. It emphasized their commitment to social change and the importance of strengthening women’s participation in post-conflict governance and decision-making. 31 journalists took part in the competition for this award that aimed to recognize the best Burundian media production that integrated a gender dimension.

SFCG has been working in Burundi since 1995. Shortly after entering the country, we recognized that women must be included as key players in the process of reconciliation and to this end, established a Women’s Peace Center in 1996 that aimed to provide women with the tools necessary to fulfill that role. Since then, we have continued our commitment to gender equality in our programming and have promoted the active participation of women’s voices and perspectives into decision-making processes, both at local and national levels.

In a country where women comprise 52% of the total population but where gender issues are too often ignored by local media, the AFJO sought to recognize reporting that makes a difference and to encourage Burundian journalists to produce gender sensitive media programs, such as those produced by SFCG’s Studio Ijambo.

We congratulate Daniella and encourage you to learn more about our programs in Burundi.