In Burundi, women living with disabilities are recognized as key actors in the country's politico-economic and social development. This assertion was made during an interview granted on Monday, July 27, 2026, noting their integral role in national progress and their key contributions to the nation's future. The recognition shows a growing understanding of their potential and the importance of inclusive development strategies.
Empowerment Through Economic Activity
Women living with disabilities in Burundi actively participate in income-generating activities, including sewing, basketry, commerce, and agriculture. These diverse economic engagements are vital for their self-sufficiency and for the broader economy. Through their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, these women contribute to national development by paying taxes and duties, which are essential for public services and infrastructure. They are actively encouraged to engage in activities for their empowerment and to join cooperatives, which can help increase production, foster collaboration, and provide mutual support. Such collective efforts are seen as a powerful means to amplify their economic impact and strengthen their position within the community.
Soline Uwimana, a woman living with a disability, affirmed that women with disabilities recognize their role in the country's progress. "Nous avons déjà compris notre contribution pour le développement du pays et nous fournissons beaucoup d’efforts pour que notre pays atteigne le développement durable," Uwimana stated, emphasizing their dedication to achieving sustainable development for Burundi. She further noted the importance of cooperatives in achieving the national vision, stating that no woman should work individually to maximize their collective impact on development. The efforts made by these women are seen as integral to the nation's broader development vision, aiming for a prosperous and inclusive future.
Association's Role and Support
Jocelyne Horanimana serves as the president of ABPDFH-Urumuri (Association burundaise pour la promotion des droits des femmes handicapées), an organization dedicated to empowering women with disabilities. ABPDFH-Urumuri conducts awareness campaigns aimed at changing societal perceptions of people with disabilities and noting their contributions to national development. These efforts include sensitizing parents of children with disabilities on fundamental rights, particularly emphasizing the right to education. The association's awareness campaigns are key in fostering a more inclusive society and challenging existing stigmas. The association receives support from various national and international development partners to facilitate its initiatives, demonstrating a collaborative approach to promoting the rights and empowerment of women with disabilities. "Femme vivant avec le handicap, saches que ton handicap n’est pas une limite ou une fatalité ! C’est plutôt une force d’une autre manière car ton travail, tes réussites montrent aux autres que rien n’est impossible si on a la force et la volonté," Horanimana stated, encouraging women with disabilities to view their challenges as a source of strength and determination, and to pursue their goals with unwavering resolve.
Persistent Barriers to Inclusion
Despite their significant contributions and dedication, women with disabilities in Burundi encounter persistent obstacles to full inclusion. These challenges include institutional barriers, such as laws that exclude disabled people, which can hinder their access to opportunities and services. Physical barriers like inaccessible infrastructure and a lack of adapted transport further limit their mobility and participation in daily life. Women traders with disabilities often face specific difficulties in their commercial activities, including discrimination and lack of appropriate facilities. Blind and deaf women frequently experience limited access to information, hindering their participation in various aspects of life, from education to civic engagement. Another significant impediment is the restricted access to credit, which can severely limit opportunities for economic empowerment and independent living, making it difficult for them to start or expand businesses. These systemic issues collectively impede the ability of women with disabilities to fully participate in and benefit from Burundi's development efforts, showing the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms.
Voices of Determination
The contribution of all citizens is deemed necessary to achieve Burundi's national vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. Soline Uwimana, a woman living with a disability, affirmed that women with disabilities are actively working towards this national objective. Uwimana stated, "Nous avons déjà compris notre contribution pour le développement du pays et nous fournissons beaucoup d’efforts pour que notre pays atteigne le développement durable." She noted the importance of cooperatives in realizing this national vision, emphasizing that no woman should work individually to maximize their collective impact on development. This collective determination is a powerful force driving Burundi towards its long-term development goals, demonstrating the invaluable role of every segment of society in national progress.