Women from countries throughout the Anglican Communion have been meeting as part of the 49th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW). Forty-one delegates from 27 provinces in the Anglican Communion gathered beginning February 28 to learn, advocate, and exchange with other women from around the world.

Claudette Kigeme, a Mothers’ Union provincial worker, attended the UNCSW as a delegate from Burundi. “I was born in a poor country where people lack basic needs. After attending the meetings, I can share with my country that I have raised the voice of women in my community,” said Kigeme. “Their voices were heard at the UN and it strengthened my commitment to the work I do with the Church. From this conference, we are working in partnership to move from commitment to action,” she said.

Episcopal Relief and Development’s partnership with the Episcopal Church of Burundi supports an HIV/AIDS and malaria program. “HIV/AIDS and malaria are the top two leading causes of death in Burundi,” said Desiderata Niragira, also a delegate from Burundi who attended the UNCSW.  Niragira works as a trainer for the Mothers’ Union Literacy and Development Program. “We are most grateful and thankful to Episcopal Relief and Development for what they are doing to help people affected by these diseases, which disproportionately affect women,” said Niragira.

The Church of Burundi has established an HIV/AIDS department in each diocese. “A micro-credit program brings people together to earn money for themselves, their families, and their communities while helping them learn capacity building,” said Niragira.

ERD’s malaria program will be incorporated in dioceses throughout Burundi. “Our main aim is to prevent malaria by teaching people how to properly clean around their homes and giving them mosquito nets which many are unable to afford,” said Kigeme.

“In Burundi, we have a saying, ‘A great friend, is a friend in need.’ ERD has made a commitment and is working with us,” said Kigeme. “The Church never leaves the community but instead always responds to its issues. With ERD, we are now able to help more people who really need it. It is a great thing when you have something to give people struggling in poverty.”

For more information on ERD’s partnership in Burundi, please visit our Burundi page.

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