Age structure
The age structure in Burundi shows a high proportion of young people. Almost half of the population (46%) is under 15 years old, so they are children. The challenges for the education system and the economy are enormous. Child labor is widespread and, among other factors, is one of the risks children in Burundi are exposed to today. Children and young people are often disadvantaged in terms of nutrition, health and education. The problem of child soldiers is also widespread in Burundi. The group of adults and young people up to the age of 50 is particularly affected by the risk of HIV infection. Over 65 years are only about 2-3% of the population. This is due to the inadequate health system (little health care, hardly any prenatal care or childbirth support, hardly any opportunities for difficult operations, little knowledge about diseases and hygiene, etc.) and difficult living conditions in rural areas (often poor nutrition, hard work).
Family and women
According to naturegnosis, the family is very important in Burundi. The polygamy is officially banned, but there is still illegal, especially in rural areas. Traditionally, Burundian society is subject to patriarchy. The position of women in rural areas is still very traditional, ie women are subordinate to men. Unfortunately, rape and violence against women are often not prosecuted. This was especially true for the civil war years and shortly thereafter. Traditionally, women are not allowed to speak in the presence of men. Other types of violence against women exist: forced prostitution, housemaids who have to work like slaves or violence in marriage. But slowly, especially in urban areas, with improved professional qualifications and access to business, justice and government, the picture and with it the position of women in Burundi is changing considerably. In 2017, the President passed a law according to which all unmarried couples must officially marry in order to be allowed to live together. Women fight for better rights, a say in politics, participation in economic processes such as the export-oriented coffee sector, and for an end to violence.
In Bujumbura, the youth are very globally oriented, including women. The empowerment of women in Burundi is also promoted internationally. It is hoped that this will result in an improved political environment and, by promoting women, considerable progress in peace and development and in reducing poverty in Burundi. Peacebuilding in particular relies on promoting women’s activities. There are still some things to change, mainly in rural areas, such as the possible succession for girls and the right to land for women to acquire. Many international organizations are mainly active in supporting children and women. Equality is anchored in law, but in reality there is still a lot to be done here. As in many developing countries, the galloping population growth in Burundi is due to a lack of social security in old age, insufficient access to contraceptives and the position of women in the family. Although the government recognizes the need to curb population growth as a whole, it only propagates the 3-child family without being able to prevent or change influencing factors. The Batwa women become both ethnic and feminine discriminates, but what has recently been trying to change.
