Women’s Basket Weaving Program in Burundi
Burundi is the 2nd Poorest Country in the World
Burundi has faced more than a decade of civil war leaving the country ravaged by recurring waves of violence and instability. With more than 56 per cent of the population under the age of 20 (UNICEF), Burundian youth faces many challenges where young women and girls are particularly vulnerable and experience Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Sexual Violence occurs worldwide. In places like Burundi where it is under-reported, SGBV cases go unnoticed. Unfortunately girls and women are exposed to violence such as rape, harassment, sexual assault, trafficking activities were they work as slaves, sex workers and domestic workers. They are ill-treated and live in fear as they experienced all forms of violence. Women, widows and young girls are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Some are illegally married and do not get access to marital privileges such as free health care for their children. In rural communities, young women are tempted to move to the city and try to find jobs. Single mothers are left alone and cannot work or reintegrate schools or find work which make them become economically dependent.
Most of the times, victims of sexual violence are stigmatised in a conservative predominantly Christian society where sex and sexuality are taboo topics of discussion. Vulnerable young girls and women experience family rejection and discrimination by the family members and the community. As a result, young girls who face rape, sexual exploitation, unintended pregnancies, forced marriage try to find a solution into prostitution or begging.
Reavi-Baho, Burundi are giving survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Burundi an opportunity to develop the basket weaving and business development skills they need to take advantage of a growing local demand for these products and to establish their own co-op store to generate income for themselves and their families. As survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, many of these women were unable to complete formal education and have been ostracised by their families and communities.
Many also have young children that they need to care for which prevents them from returning to school or access other employment opportunities. There is a demonstrated demand for quality modern baskets that are used for a wide range of purposes within the local community and can be made by hand with little capital outlay whilst being sold for respectable profits. Teaching women the skills they need to make these baskets as well as the required business skills to establish a co-op shop in the marketplace (funding for which is provided as part of the program) and market and sell their wares to earn a regular income.