A. Peaceful Walk Against Digital Gender-Based Violence
On December 10, 2025, FWA organized a powerful peaceful walk and conference on the theme of "Fighting Against Digital Gender-Based Violence." This event brought together 66 participants from various organizations, community groups, and government institutions to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital GBV.
The conference featured keynote addresses from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Communication, highlighting the legal frameworks and digital safety measures being developed to combat online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation of women and girls.
Key Messages
- Digital GBV is a growing threat affecting women and girls across Burundi
- Legal frameworks are being strengthened to protect victims
- Education and digital literacy are key to prevention
- Community support and reporting mechanisms are essential
B. Caring for HIV Positive People (CHIVPP)
In the month of December, Friends Women's Association (FWA) and its Ntaseka Clinic continued providing medical follow-up and home visits for HIV positive people. The program ensures that all patients receive consistent care, medication adherence support, and nutritional guidance to maintain their health and well-being.
Key Achievement
330 HIV+ patients under active care and treatment at Ntaseka Clinic, with ongoing medical follow-up and home visits to ensure medication adherence and well-being across all enrolled patients.
C. Maternity Ward Building - Baby Joyce's Story
Ntaseka Clinic's Maternity Ward supplies baby delivery services and care needed for pregnant women, new mothers and newborn babies. In December, we celebrate the story of Baby Joyce, born safely at Ntaseka Clinic.
"I was terrified when I went into labor. I had no money for the hospital and was worried about the safety of my baby. When I arrived at Ntaseka Clinic, the nurses welcomed me with warmth and professionalism. They took care of me throughout the delivery, and Baby Joyce was born healthy and strong. I cannot thank FWA enough for this service — it saved my life and my baby's life."
- Mother of Baby Joyce, born at Ntaseka Clinic in December 2025
Although the Clinic's maternity ward still needs some medical equipment, hospitalization services are functional. The maternity ward remains a vital resource for women in the Kamenge community and beyond.
D. Improving Women's Reproductive Health (IWRH)
FWA staff and FWA 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, supporting reproductive health across the community.
E. Rape Survivors' Support (RSS)
The Rape Survivors' Support (RSS) program of the Friends Women's Association currently has established 63 Self-Help Groups. In December, 12 SHGs made a sharing, demonstrating exceptional financial discipline and community solidarity among members.
1. Self-Help Group Evaluation
| 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 |
| People Who Didn't Pay | 12 | 0 |
| Total Money Not Refunded | 12 | 0 |
2. SHG Classification
F. Street Business School (SBS)
During the month of December, SBS training sessions focused on advanced modules to strengthen participants' entrepreneurship skills. The Street Business School continues to empower women with practical business knowledge and financial literacy.
Module 6: Business Planning
Setting clear business goals, identifying needed resources, estimating costs and expected profits, and planning daily activities. "A clear plan increases the chances of business success."
Module 7: Marketing & Customer Care
Promoting products and services effectively, setting fair prices, treating customers with respect and honesty, and building trust. "A happy customer is the foundation of a growing business."
Module 8: Growing Your Business
Strategies for expanding a business, reinvesting profits, managing risks, and planning for long-term sustainability. "Growth comes from consistent effort and smart decisions."
G. HROC Workshop (Healing and Reconciliation)
From December 24-26, 2025, FWA conducted a three-day Healing and Reconciliation (HROC) workshop for GBV survivors. This workshop uses a trauma-healing model that combines psychosocial support with reconciliation processes, helping survivors find peace and rebuild their lives.
The timing of this workshop, during the holiday season, was intentional — providing support and community for those who might otherwise feel isolated during what should be a joyful time of year.
"I came to the workshop carrying so much anger and shame. I had been violated and felt like my life was over. But during those three days, I met other women who had been through similar experiences. We shared our stories, we cried together, and we began to heal. I left the workshop feeling like I had been given a second chance at life."
- A GBV survivor and participant in the December HROC workshop
H. FPT Event
On December 13, 2025, FWA participated in the FPT (Formation des Personnes Témoin) event, which brought together community leaders, healthcare workers, and program beneficiaries to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned across FWA's various programs.
The event provided a platform for community health workers to receive refresher training and for program participants to share their success stories, creating a powerful atmosphere of mutual learning and inspiration.
IMEDICAL TEAM
I.1. Consultations
I.2. Laboratory
In the month of December, apart from HIV voluntary testing, there were a total of 448 tests conducted at Ntaseka Clinic's laboratory.
| Test | Completed | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaria Test (G.E.) | 45 | 14 | 31 |
| Quick Malaria Test | 50 | 18 | 32 |
| Urine Test (ECBU) | 28 | 18 | 10 |
| Stool Test | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| Pregnancy Test | 40 | 14 | 26 |
| Typhoid Fever | 100 | 36 | 64 |
| Diabetes | 25 | 6 | 19 |
| Syphilis (RPR VDRL) | 12 | 2 | 10 |
| Complete Blood Count | 32 | 15 | 17 |
| Hepatitis B | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Hepatitis C | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| Viral Load | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CD4 Test | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Other Tests | 71 | 0 | 71 |
| Total | 448 | 135 | 313 |
I.3. Family Planning
During December, 646 people received contraceptives from FWA's nurse, including old cases and new ones seeking family planning services. This high number reflects the growing trust in FWA's reproductive health services.
I.4. Prenatal Consultation (PNC)
In December, 55 women came for prenatal consultation (PNC), including those attending PNC 1, PNC 2, PNC 3, and PNC 4 sessions. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.