Imelde Kubwimana: A Trailblazer for Women’s Development ‌in Burundi

Imelde Kubwimana, a pioneering campaigner for women’s⁢ development, founded the Haranirvátni ‍society in 1987, which later became a cooperative ⁤in 2003. At the age of 81, she continues to lead ​the cooperative, ⁣actively engaged‌ in corn farming​ despite numerous challenges.

Early Life and Education

Born‍ in 1943 on Gasebayi hill in ⁤the Mabayi valley, Cibitoke province, Imelde Kubwimana grew ⁢up ‍in the Mugina commune,⁢ where her father was a catechist.‌ She attended primary school until the 6th grade. After ‌her father’s death,‍ she was employed by the priests‍ to ⁤teach adult literacy, earning a salary ⁢equivalent to her ‌father’s. She later gave birth ‍to three children and lost ⁣her‌ husband in 1972.

A Continuous Learning Journey

Imelde Kubwimana​ has benefited from various entrepreneurial​ training programs. In⁣ 1991,​ she attended a ⁣workshop ⁢on​ soap making ⁤and flour production in Burkina Faso, and‍ later traveled to Benin to learn about ⁣groundnut oil production. These training programs were ⁤organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization ⁤of​ the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the ⁤French government.

Modernity Changes Nothing‌ in⁣ Kubwimana

Despite her exposure to modernity, Imelde Kubwimana remains deeply rooted in ‌her traditional values.⁣ She ⁤enjoys ⁣eating cassava paste with beans and drinking‌ lemonade. She is also an avid fan of traditional dances and has attended numerous wedding ⁣parties to ⁢dance.

Unity is ⁢Strength

Imelde Kubwimana emphasizes the importance of unity‍ and ⁢cooperation among women. She believes that women’s cooperatives provide a platform for women to thrive, make decisions, and participate in income-generating ​activities such as agriculture and‍ agri-food‌ processing. By working together, women ⁢can strengthen⁣ their economic independence, meet family needs, and satisfy personal desires.

Advice​ to Sisters

Imelde Kubwimana advises women to join cooperatives or associations to develop⁤ their ⁢economic independence. She encourages women to engage in​ income-generating activities, such ⁣as agriculture, and to⁢ exchange‍ ideas and information ‌about management, agricultural practices, and​ finance.