Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Burundi
Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) is a world-wide problem.
It is particularly prevalent in developing countries like Burundi, that have experienced extended periods of civil war, political instability and the break down of law and order.
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.
Along with high rates of illiteracy, remote locations, lack of access to internet and information has lead to a high rate of unregistered children of these survivors.
Support for survivors is uncommon
Burundi, in central Africa, is the third poorest country in the world. Appropriate medical, legal, social and psychological support for victims of SGBV is simply not available to the majority of the population.
Lack of support for victims often results in untreated serious medical conditions and infections. When unwanted pregnancies occur, there is high social ostracism, school drop outs and financial hardship.
In a short three day data gathering exercise, we identified over 200 victims of SGBV requesting assistance. Out of this group, 48% of their children have not been registered, denying them access to government health and education services.
Here’s what we’re doing about it
In Kirundi, the native language of Burundi, “Baho” means “To Live”.
At REAVI-Baho we want victims of SGBV, not only to survive, but to thrive.
Your donation will go directly to Burundi to run the program to inform and educate these survivors on how to register their children, and our staff will directly assist them in the registration process by taking them to the government offices, helping them with the paperwork and follow up enquiries.
Your donation will also assist in the opening of the “Centre Baho” – a hub for victims to receive individual and group counselling from our qualified volunteer psychologist and experienced social workers. We will also use the centre to provide referrals professional medical and legal support, host support groups, networking and educational events.
One of the members of REAVI-Baho has donated use of a suitable property to open the Centre Baho. It is located in Kamenge, Bujumbura, one of the most underprivileged neighbourhoods in the capital of Burundi.
You can join us
A donation of $80 will allow us to register one child, provide information and support for the mother, and contribute to the setup of Centre Baho.
In total, we need $8000 AUD to do the following:
- Run an information session for applicants wanting their child registered
- Run an information session for the government agencies that we require support from
- Establish the Centre Baho with basic seating and kitchen facilities, some AV equipment and printed material
- Start booking some individual counselling sessions.
If we don’t raise all the funds, we will help as many women as the funding allows and register as many children as we can…so don’t hold back.
We’d like to recognise your contribution
Supporters over a certain amount can choose to be permanently recognised with an inscription of their name painted on the wall of Centre Baho.
Your support can be recognised in a Facebook video or at our fundraising launch event “REVO” in Melbourne, Australia on 25th March 2017.
For supporters based in Melbourne, Australia, there are a limited number of exclusive photoshoots with accomplished Melbourne based photographer, Darren Sandford.
For supporters associated with companies, clubs or educational facilities based in Melbourne, Australia there are a limited number of public appearances of Mireille Kayeye, accomplished public speaker, journalist and the Australian head of REAVI-BAHO.
For attendees at our REVO fundraising event, there is an opportunity to secure exclusive meet and greet with our artistic supporters of REAVI-BAHO:
– “Meet the Models” VIP meet and greet with Phoebe fashion designer of the Prodigal Daughter collection and her fashion catwalk models.
– “Bang the Burundian drum” – take the audience by storm by getting up on stage and join our traditionally attired African drummers in revving up the crowd with traditional Burundian drumming