Women and Youth Empowerment

In Burundi and much of the East African region, women and youth continue to face entrenched social, economic, and political exclusion. Limited access to land, finance, education, and leadership opportunities perpetuates poverty and gender-based inequalities. In post-conflict settings like Burundi, these challenges are further compounded by legacies of violence, weak institutional support, and high youth unemployment rates.

The RECOVI Women and Youth Empowerment Program aims to unlock the untapped potential of women and young people as catalysts for peace, innovation, and sustainable development. By investing in capacity-building, economic resilience, and civic engagement, this program creates pathways for inclusive participation, economic self-sufficiency, and local leadership in both rural and urban communities.

Main Goal
To empower women and youth as key actors in sustainable development, conflict prevention, and inclusive governance in Burundi and the wider East African region.

Strategic Objectives
1. Promote socio-economic inclusion through entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
2. Enhance leadership and participation in governance, peacebuilding, and community decision-making.
3. Prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices affecting women and girls.
4. Foster youth innovation and digital transformation through technology access and creativity hubs.
Key Interventions

• Entrepreneurship & Livelihood Support
- Vocational training in agribusiness, digital services, and artisan crafts
- Micro-grants for women/youth cooperatives and startups
- Financial literacy and cooperative management training

• Civic Education & Leadership Training
- Governance, peacebuilding, and advocacy workshops
- Support for youth and women participation in local elections and community councils
- Creation of youth and women dialogue forums and peace ambassadors
• Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- GBV awareness campaigns in schools and communities
- Establishment of community protection committees and safe spaces
- Legal aid and psychosocial support services for survivors
• Innovation and Digital Empowerment
- Digital literacy and access-to-tech hubs for rural youth
- Mobile platforms for civic education and financial access
- Youth-led initiatives in climate-smart and tech-based solutions