A. Partnership Overview
Friends Women's Association (FWA) maintains a strong and productive partnership with Faith to Action Network, working together to advance gender justice, promote women's rights, and provide holistic healthcare services to communities across Burundi. This report highlights FWA's activities and achievements during December 2025 as part of this collaborative partnership.
The partnership focuses on three core areas: healthcare service delivery, gender justice advocacy, and community economic empowerment. Together, FWA and Faith to Action Network work to create lasting change in the lives of women and girls across Burundi.
B. Peaceful Walk Against Digital Gender-Based Violence
On December 10, 2025, FWA organized a landmark peaceful walk and conference on the theme of "Fighting Against Digital Gender-Based Violence" — a groundbreaking event that brought together 66 participants from various organizations, community groups, and government institutions.
This event was particularly significant as it addressed the emerging threat of digital violence — online harassment, cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and digital exploitation of women and girls. As technology becomes more accessible, so do the ways in which it can be misused to harm vulnerable populations.
Conference Highlights
Keynote Address: Ministry of Justice
Representatives from the Ministry of Justice presented on the legal frameworks being developed to combat digital GBV, including new legislation on cybercrime, data protection, and the rights of victims of online harassment. They emphasized the importance of reporting digital violence and the government's commitment to prosecuting perpetrators.
Keynote Address: Ministry of Communication
The Ministry of Communication presented on digital literacy and safety measures, including privacy settings, secure communication practices, and resources available for victims of digital violence. They highlighted the need for education and awareness as the first line of defense against digital GBV.
"I never thought digital violence was a real thing until it happened to me. Someone shared my private photos without my consent, and I felt like my world was ending. This workshop showed me that I am not alone and that there are laws to protect me. I feel empowered to speak up and seek justice."
- A participant in the December 10 peaceful walk and conference
C. Healthcare Service Delivery
FWA's Ntaseka Clinic continued providing essential healthcare services to the Kamenge community and beyond during December 2025. The clinic serves as a vital resource for women, children, and families seeking quality healthcare in a supportive environment.
D. HIV/AIDS Care and Support (CHIVPP)
FWA's CHIVPP program continued providing comprehensive care and support for HIV positive people in December. The program ensures that all patients receive consistent medical follow-up, medication adherence support, and nutritional guidance.
Program Impact
330 HIV+ patients under active care and treatment at Ntaseka Clinic. The program provides home visits, medical follow-up, and psychosocial support to ensure patients maintain their treatment regimen and achieve optimal health outcomes.
E. Women's Reproductive Health (IWRH)
FWA staff and community health workers continued educating both men and women on the importance of family planning throughout December. Community health workers conducted outreach sessions in multiple neighborhoods, reaching women who might not otherwise access reproductive health services.
Impact: 646 people received family planning services from FWA's nurse in December, including injections, pills, condoms, IUDs, and implants. This represents a significant increase from previous months, reflecting growing community trust in FWA's reproductive health services.
F. Economic Empowerment Programs
FWA's economic empowerment programs continued to provide opportunities for women to build financial independence and create sustainable livelihoods. The Self-Help Group (SHG) program, Street Business School, and income-generating activities all contributed to women's economic empowerment during December.
Self-Help Groups
63 Self-Help Groups were active across communities, with 12 groups participating in sharing during December. The groups saved a total of 20.7 million BIF, demonstrating the growing financial discipline and community solidarity among members.
| Indicator | Number of SHGs | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Total Money Saved | 12 | 20,700,000 BIF |
| Total Credit Granted | 12 | 22,400,000 BIF |
| Total Interest | 12 | 10,200,000 BIF |
G. Impact & Conclusion
December 2025 was a landmark month for FWA's partnership with Faith to Action Network. The peaceful walk against digital GBV demonstrated FWA's commitment to addressing emerging forms of violence against women, while the continued delivery of healthcare services and economic empowerment programs showed the organization's holistic approach to community development.
The partnership with Faith to Action Network has been instrumental in amplifying FWA's impact, providing resources, expertise, and networks that help the organization reach more women and girls across Burundi. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.
Key Takeaway
"Our partnership with Faith to Action Network allows us to address both the immediate healthcare needs of women and girls and the systemic issues of gender-based violence and economic inequality. Together, we are creating lasting change in Burundi."
- Friends Women's Association Burundi