Burundian Women: Key Actors in Peace Amid Persistent Challenges

Abstract

This literature review examines the role of Burundian women in peace and security processes through a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed and grey literature available online, following the PRISMA methodology. Burundi’s armed conflicts have had profound social, political, and humanitarian consequences; however, women have emerged as critical actors in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict peacebuilding. The review highlights key historical and institutional contributions, notably the 1996 Burundian Women’s Peace Conference, which significantly influenced the national peace process and contributed to the incorporation of a 30% gender quota in the Constitution. Furthermore, the training of thousands of women as community mediators has strengthened local conflict resolution mechanisms and social cohesion. Despite these advances, significant challenges persist. Women remain underrepresented in formal security and decision-making institutions, and gender-based violence continues to undermine peace and security efforts. The findings also reveal a substantial gap between normative frameworks—particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security—and their effective implementation at national and local levels. This review underscores the need to enhance women’s meaningful participation across all levels of peace and security governance, address impunity for gender-based violence, and provide sustained support to grassroots women-led initiatives. The study concludes by identifying areas for future research, including the long-term impact of gender quotas and the lived experiences of women peacebuilders in Burundi, to inform more inclusive and sustainable peacebuilding strategies.