Relief agencies have completed an opportunity centre meant to improve welfare of Burundian women refugees in Mahama camp in Kirehe District, Eastern Province.

The facility, which was inaugurated on Thursday, on the occasion of belated celebrations of Women’s Day, is estimated at $400,000.

It will facilitate women and girls with handicraft skills to produce various products which will be exported to the US.

The inauguration was graced by various partners and officials, including Azam Saber, UNHCR country representative; Seraphine Mukantabana, the minister for disaster management and refugee affairs; Esperance Nyirasafari, the minister for gender and family promotion; Fatou Aminata Lo, the UN deputy representative; and members of the diplomatic community and local leaders.

Azam said the facility will financially empower women and girls.

"The centre will bring together women, enable them to discuss the challenges they face and how to improve their production. The facility will provide opportunities and their produce are exported to United States of America. We are also looking to open a store in Kigali in order to make the products available to the local markets. At the moment, all products are exported,” he said.

Jacqueline Murorunkwere, the in-charge of social affairs at the camp, said that the facility will promote welfare and enhance mutual partnership and cooperation between stakeholders to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in the camp.

"Refugee women are often victims of violence and discrimination. The new facility for refugees will play a big role in resolving such challenges, and strengthen women’s resilience and help them become self-reliant,” she said.

Women empowerment

Minister Nyirasafari said that Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8 annually, is the time to highlight women’s abilities and assess the progress of gender equality.

Nyirasafari called on refugees to initiate parents’ forum (Umugoroba w’Ababyeyi) to discuss family issues.

"We appreciate the progress in gender equality. Once upon a time, women were undermined but today their contribution to develop the country is remarkable. Families, men, women and children should strive to live in harmony and find solutions themselves. Let’s reflect on challenges women face in the community on the occasion of Women’s Day celebration,” she said.

Nyirasafari called on everyone to act as an agent in ending family disputes and gender-based violence, reminding parents of their duty to educate children.

Minister Mukantabana said the opportunity centre will open doors to skilled women at the camp.

"No one will sit down and fold arms because this facility will make women active. The Government is working to increase projects that will empower refugees financially,” she added.

Judith Kazayire, the Eastern Province governor, said joining refugees to mark International Women’s Day demonstrates how the Government treats all people living in the country equally regardless of their background.

"Though they are refugees, they have rights. They have to live in harmony and benefit from available opportunities. We have to put our efforts together so that we uproot all challenges that lead to violation of women rights,” the governor said.

In line of marking International Women’s Day at the camp, parents taking care of unaccompanied children at the camp were recognised.

Nadia Uwizeyimana, a refugee, said she expected the centre to help enhance innovation, promote women’s self-reliance, and prevent gender related violence.

The Mahama Women and Girls’ Opportunity Centre was built in partnership with the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration in conjunction with partners, to ensure innovative approaches to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in refugee emergencies.​​

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