UN Women, with financial backing from the Government of Japan, has launched a new humanitarian project to support 10,000 Congolese refugees and Burundian internally displaced persons, most of whom are women and girls. With a budget of USD 266,666, the initiative responds to a complex humanitarian context shaped by insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and climate-related flooding in Burundi.
The project places women and girls at the center of its response, recognizing their heightened risks of gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. It adopts an integrated approach that combines protection, economic empowerment, and early recovery. Key interventions include preventing and responding to gender-based violence, supporting income-generating activities, and strengthening the economic resilience of women and youth, including within host communities.
Implementation will be led by UN Women in partnership with Japanese actors such as Yamaha Motors and the NGO Terra Renaissance, alongside national and local partners. This multi-stakeholder collaboration aims to maximize humanitarian impact while promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions. The initiative reflects Japan’s commitment to human security, gender equality, and inclusive development, aligned with TICAD 9 priorities.
By combining lifesaving humanitarian assistance with early recovery and livelihood support, the project seeks to restore dignity, protection, and economic opportunities for vulnerable populations. It represents a step toward building resilience and inclusive recovery in Burundi, ensuring that women and girls are not only protected but also empowered to rebuild their lives.
