When economic autonomy becomes a lever for health, dignity and social reintegration!

On Tuesday, 2 June 2026, a delegation from the French Embassy in Burundi, led by Mr. Vincent Curis, visited Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) to assess the progress of a project supporting the sustainable recovery of income-generating activities (IGAs) for 73 women’s groups across five hills.

As part of the field mission, the delegation met with women engaged in livestock rearing and crop farming on and around Buhonga Hill. Through this initiative, the women are receiving support to strengthen their livelihoods, enhance their economic autonomy, build resilience, and foster greater social inclusion. The visit provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the project’s impact and engage directly with beneficiaries about their experiences, achievements, and aspirations.

A long-standing commitment to vulnerable women

For over seventeen years, the SYM has been supporting people living with HIV, particularly vulnerable rural women, often widowed as a result of HIV and AIDS. Through the development of income-generating activities in the agriculture and livestock sectors, the organization contributes to the fight against poverty while sustainably improving the living conditions of its beneficiaries.

This integrated approach produces results that go far beyond simple income. Access to stable economic activity promotes better adherence to antiretroviral treatment, reduces the risk of interruptions in medical follow-up, and allows beneficiaries to regain self-confidence and an active role within their community.

As part of the NUREM project, hundreds of women had already received support to develop income-generating activities. However, the effects of climate change, crop diseases, and certain livestock illnesses have weakened several of these activities. Aware of these challenges, the French Embassy provided financial support to strengthen the resilience of 73 groups, representing 219 women beneficiaries.

A visit to the heart of the achievements

The visit began at the ServiceYezu Mwiza headquarters with a warm welcome marked by drummers and songs of gratitude from the beneficiaries. After a presentation of the project, its objectives, and its achievements, the delegation traveled to Buhonga, in Bujumbura province, to visit several activities supported by the project, including a pig farm and a goat farm. The beneficiaries of the agricultural activities shared their experiences through firsthand accounts, showcasing their maize and cabbage crops and the tangible benefits for their families. On the ground, visits to the farms and testimonies from the women farmers allowed the delegation to see firsthand the impact of the investments made. The women shared their experiences, successes, challenges, and aspirations for the future.

Restored dignity and a fight against social exclusion

The testimonies gathered during the visit highlighted a profound transformation in the lives of the beneficiaries. Thanks to the income from raising pigs, goats and ducks, as well as the production of corn, tomatoes, amaranth, local eggplants and cabbage, many women are now able to meet the basic needs of their families, contribute to their children’s school fees and improve their diet.

Beyond the economic benefits, the project has helped combat the social exclusion still experienced by some people living with HIV. Several participants explained that they now feel respected, listened to, and recognized within their communities thanks to their contribution to local economic development. This newfound social recognition is one of the project’s most significant outcomes. Women who were once marginalized are gradually becoming agents of change within their families and villages. One of the beneficiaries from Buhonga Hill shares her story:

Thanks to the support I received through this project, I was able to resume growing corn under better conditions and obtain a harvest that now feeds my family while also allowing me to sell some of the produce at the market. The income generated contributes to my children’s school fees and household expenses.Beyond improving our living conditions, this project has restored my confidence in myself and in the future. I feel respected again within my community and capable of building a better future for my children. When I look at my cornfield today, I see much more than a harvest: I see renewed hope, restored dignity, and proof that change is possible.

An economic, social, psychological and spiritual impact

The observed results demonstrate a multidimensional impact. Economically, the income generated allows households to meet their daily needs and gradually develop their businesses. Socially, beneficiaries participate more actively in community life and play a more significant role in family decisions. Psychologically, they regain confidence in their abilities, develop a more positive outlook on the future, and gradually overcome the stigma associated with their situation. Finally, on a spiritual and human level, the project helps restore hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to a supportive community.

The strength of close support

One of the key factors in the project’s success lies in the ongoing support provided by the Service Yezu Mwiza. During the visit, the beneficiaries unanimously praised the work of Ms. Jeanine Nduwayezu, the income-generating activities manager. Her close monitoring allows her to quickly identify any difficulties encountered, provide tailored advice, and work with the beneficiaries to find sustainable solutions.

This support goes far beyond economic assistance. It is part of a comprehensive community health approach that includes raising awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted infections, nutrition, malaria and cervical cancer prevention, and harm reduction related to drug use. This integrated approach significantly strengthens the impact and sustainability of interventions.

Building resilience for the future

Exchanges between the beneficiaries, the Service Yezu Mwiza and the French Embassy also helped to identify several development prospects.

The first priority concerns strengthening the resilience of agricultural and livestock activities to diseases and climate hazards. Enhanced technical support and improved access to veterinary and phytosanitary services will lead to sustainable improvements in yields. The second priority focuses on developing solidarity initiatives. Several beneficiaries expressed their desire to further organize themselves through cooperatives in order to pool their resources, improve their bargaining power, and access new economic opportunities. These ambitions demonstrate the beneficiaries’ commitment to gradually becoming autonomous agents of their own development.

Sincere gratitude to the French Embassy

The visit concluded in an atmosphere of joy and hope, fueled by songs and testimonies from the beneficiaries. The women expressed their profound gratitude to the French Embassy for its crucial support, which has enabled them to revive their businesses, strengthen their economic independence, and regain a dignified place within their communities.

The Service Yezu Mwiza also welcomes this invaluable support, which helps consolidate the project’s achievements and empower hundreds of vulnerable women to build a more stable and prosperous future. Through this partnership, much more than economic activities are supported: lives are transformed, families regain hope, and communities become more resilient and inclusive.

By, Communications Team,

Service Yezu Mwiza, Burundi.