The Commune Kiremba, located in the Province de Butanyerera, faces significant challenges in development, primarily due to a lack of financing for various projects. This lack of financing is identified as a major obstacle to progress within the commune, hindering the implementation of key development initiatives. Kiremba is one of eight communes within the Province de Butanyerera, and its population is approximately 300,000 inhabitants. This financial constraint is identified as a major obstacle to progress within the commune. The lack of financing is a major challenge for development projects in the commune.
Barriers to Progress
A lack of representation in decision-making bodies, unemployment, and insufficient financial resources for entrepreneurship are among the challenges hindering the development of youth and women in the Commune Kiremba. Within the communal administration, only one woman holds a leadership position among the eleven communal executives overseeing various sectors. André Ndikumugongo, a local leader, observed this disparity, stating, "Among the eleven communal executives who direct different sectors, there is only one woman." He added that while women constitute a significant portion of the commune's approximately 300,000 inhabitants, their representation is low, particularly at the collinaire level. Ndikumugongo noted that fewer than ten women serve as chefs de colline (hill leaders) in Kiremba, and only one woman occupies the position of cheffe de zone (zone chief) in Musasa zone. He attributed the low numbers to a lack of solidarity among women voters and societal barriers, explaining, "It is at the collinaire level that women should be numerous. But, unfortunately, due to their lack of solidarity, they prefer to vote for men. It is they who predominantly come to elect. But, we observe that they do not elect each other. Which is paradoxical." Ndikumugongo also pointed out that "there are still men who prevent their wives from being elected."
Emmanuel Ngabonziza, the head of the Kiremba Youth Center, noted the talents of young people but showed their need for financial support. "Many young people are talented but they lack financial means to grow," Ngabonziza stated, emphasizing the need to "cut short with idleness." He cited his own experience, noting, "I submitted a project that was appreciated by this program. The company has 5 young employees, including 3 boys and 2 girls. They have different talents."
The Commune Kiremba is composed of ten zones, five of which share a border with Rwanda. Despite some leadership gaps for women, the commune's administration is largely youthful, with only five of the seventeen communal executives being over 35 years old. This demographic trend suggests a potential for dynamic leadership, yet the challenges of representation and financial access persist. The Commune Kiremba was formed through the merger of three former communes: Kiremba, Marangara, and Nyamurenza.
Pioneering Initiatives
Joséphine Hafashimana, 49, is an educator and director of the École fondamentale de Ciri, a primary school located near the communal center. "I am a teacher and director of the École fondamentale de Ciri, located not far from the communal center," Ms. Hafashimana said. She leads the "Twungubumwe" association, which unites women from various political parties in the Commune Kiremba. The association was established after Ms. Hafashimana participated in a training program. "This association was born after a training that I followed," she stated. Each member of "Twungubumwe" contributes a monthly fee of 10,000 BIF. Ms. Hafashimana's initiative has been operating for three years, demonstrating its sustainability and impact within the community. She notes that some women may prioritize marriage over education, explaining, "They perhaps find that the time devoted to studies is too long and fear getting old before finding a husband." This observation notes a societal challenge that can impact women's educational and professional trajectories.
The initiative led by Ms. Hafashimana has inspired the creation of another structure, which brings together 44 women leaders from across the entire commune. This expansion demonstrates the ripple effect of successful community-led efforts. Members of this new organization contribute 12,000 BIF per month to a social fund, further strengthening local financial independence and mutual support networks. The collective pooling of resources shows a commitment to self-reliance among women leaders in Kiremba.
Jessica Irankunda, 29, pursued paramedical studies, equipping her with specialized skills. She expressed her ambition to establish her own pharmacy. "My dream is to open my own pharmacy. I do not yet know the necessary capital. But, I first want to be my own boss before thinking about starting a family," Ms. Irankunda said. Despite her aspirations, she acknowledges current challenges, stating, "I don't have many clients. So, I keep myself busy as best I can." Ms. Irankunda noted a trend of people seeking more dynamic environments. "Those who are looking for a more animated life go to Masanganzira, which has become a transit center for Ngozi, Muyinga, and Kirundo. I even fear that the communal offices will eventually be transferred there," she added. This notes the economic pull of other areas and the potential for Kiremba to lose talent and services if its development does not keep pace.
Fina Uwimana is a married seamstress who has been practicing her trade for three months. She completed her general humanities studies but was unable to pursue university education. "I was unable to continue university studies due to poverty. That's why I opted for this profession to survive and meet my needs and those of my family," Ms. Uwimana explained. Her journey into sewing began by selling vegetables. "Before, I sold vegetables and, with the profit I made, I bought a sewing machine," she said. Ms. Uwimana now contributes to her family's needs, illustrating how entrepreneurial efforts can directly impact household well-being. "For the moment, I contribute to satisfying the needs of the family," she noted. However, she faces practical challenges in her work. "When I get a customer who brings a loincloth, I am forced to go borrow a machine from my neighbor," Ms. Uwimana stated. This situation shows the need for greater access to capital for entrepreneurs to acquire essential equipment.
Individual Journeys and Aspirations
Fina Uwimana, a married seamstress, attributed her entry into the profession to economic hardship, stating, "I was unable to continue university studies due to poverty. That's why I opted for this profession to survive and meet my needs and those of the family." Ms. Uwimana explained that she purchased her sewing machine with earnings from selling vegetables, demonstrating resourcefulness in overcoming financial barriers. "Before, I sold vegetables and, with the gain that I had, I bought a sewing machine. For the moment, I contribute to the satisfaction of the family's needs," she said. Despite her contributions, Ms. Uwimana faces equipment challenges, noting, "When I get a customer who brings a loincloth, I am forced to go borrow a machine from my neighbor." This reliance on shared equipment can limit her productivity and potential for growth.
Fidèle Ndihokubwayo, a 32-year-old, has spent thirteen years washing motorcycles for others. He indicated the work provides a living, but is not highly lucrative. "The work is not very paying but, it makes us live," Mr. Ndihokubwayo said. He added that the price to wash a motorcycle ranges between 4,000 and 5,000 BIF, and he washes four to five motorcycles daily. "The price oscillates between 4,000 and 5,000 BIF. But, it's not every day that we have work," he added. The variability in daily work notes the precarious nature of some informal sector jobs. Jean Gashatsi, a 40-year-old motorcycle washer, has been in the profession for thirty-one years, showcasing long-term dedication to his trade. Mr. Gashatsi shared personal challenges, stating, "The woman with whom I had founded the household left. The child who was born from our union died. I am alone, and live from this sole profession that I have been practicing for thirty-one years." He also noted occasional support from friends: "Fortunately that friends can come to my aid when they see that I have spent a whole day without work." The social support network plays a key role for individuals facing economic instability.
Emmanuel Ngabonziza, identified as a young repatriate, returned from exile in Tanzania in 2008 and founded a company called Tayaya Society. The company employs five young individuals: three boys and two girls, contributing to local employment. Mr. Ngabonziza noted the potential of youth but stressed the need for financial resources, stating, "Many young people are talented but they lack financial means to evolve. We must cut short with idleness." He added, "I submitted a project that was appreciated by this program. The company has five young employees, including three boys and two girls. They have different talents." This demonstrates the success that can be achieved when young people receive the necessary support to develop their entrepreneurial ideas. Separately, the Banque de Développement des Femmes (BDF) has provided credits to eight women's groups in Marangara, one of the former communes now part of Kiremba. This financial assistance is vital for empowering women's collective economic activities. The cooperative Sangwe of Cayi hill possesses eight cows, indicating another form of community-based economic activity and asset building within the commune. These varied initiatives, from individual entrepreneurs to women's groups and cooperatives, show the diverse efforts being made to foster economic development and self-sufficiency in Kiremba.