Burundi: student, youth, & community groups "say no to child marriage in our community!"

Burundi National Students' Union (BNSU), Tabitha Community in Action (TCA) and Empower Burundi - collectively leading the 100 Million campaign in Burundi, held their events in the south of Bujumbura, and commenced their media campaign with local media.

A debate was held with the community of Kamesa, hosted at the headquarters of Tabitha Community in Action, which was titled 'Say No to Child Marriage in our Community'. Around 50 women and girls participated in the event, as well as the local community leader - who is also female. The event provided an opportunity to take stock of the situation of child marriage globally and in Burundi, particularly in Kamesa, the most affected area of ​​Bujumbura province. The most recent research (2017) shows that 19% of young women in Burundi were married as children. The community dialogue focused on discussing the causes, effects, and ways to combat this scourge.

During the week, all organisations took part in extensive media outreach in the local community to amplify the impact of the events. Tabitha Community in Action appeared on BETV, a national television station. Empower Burundi and BNSU were given hour-long slots on Radio Buja FM and IREBE FM. During the session on Radio Buja FM, listeners were invited to call the show, and around 30 people called and committed to raise awareness on child marriage in their community.