Since 2014, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi has integrated gender equality across all its programmes through a dedicated Gender Equality Policy. This policy guides our work with children, young people, families, and communities, ensuring that every child; girl or boy; has equal rights, opportunities, and respect. 

Children learn gender roles early in life, which is why we support families and communities to promote fairness, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all children can thrive. 

Across all programmes, several measures reinforce gender equality: 

• Development of guidelines to ensure that services meet the specific needs of girls and boys (e.g., pocket money management, support for teenage mothers). 

• Appointment of gender focal points at national and programme levels. 

• Integration of gender-related activities in annual action plans and budgets. 

• Celebration of key advocacy moments such as International Women’s Day, International Day of the Girl, and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

• Ongoing training and awareness sessions on the Gender Equality Policy for all staff. 

Gender equality benefits every child.  It helps create families and communities where girls grow up confident and ambitious, boys learn responsibility, respect, and empathy and children of all genders enjoy a healthy, balanced, and protective environment. 

A society that values gender equality is better equipped to prevent violence, discrimination, and neglect key factors that can lead to the abandonment or abuse of children.  

By integrating gender equality into everything we do, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi contributes to building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society-one where all children can reach their full potential.