Everyday Heroes: Christine Ntahe (Burundi)

Ntahe really added value to this post in particular during the war, when she often took over all the reporting functions — sometimes placing her life at risk at a time when many of her colleagues fled or were in hiding.

At the height of the war she was one of the first journalists to turn the microphone over to the populations, allowing their voices to be heard and allowing them to express their distress. From 1999 to 2010 she worked as a journalist-producer with Search for Common Ground, an American NGO, working on projects that aimed to help reconcile communities which had been divided and torn apart by the war. She produced a program entitled, “Mukenyezi nturambirwe” (Women, Courage!). This experience has led her to say that women from all ethnic groups played a major role in contributing to rebuilding peace in the country.

Now 61, this energetic widow is a mother of four and grandmother of three. She is also known for her work on behalf of disadvantaged children. Her altruistic efforts are not something she started doing yesterday. Each Sunday since 1994 she has opened her home to poor children, feeding, clothing and bathing them, if necessary. Ntahe has really given of herself to make sure these children were able to attend school, providing them with school supplies when necessary.

In September 2010, 70 of these youngsters were enrolled in school thanks to charitable donations from various people. Some the youngsters have now finished high school, while others are continuing their education. “La Maman Dimanche” —the “Sunday Mama” — has chosen to dedicate her life to fighting to improve the lives of children.

Her Viewpoint

Ntahe’s investiture as a Notable is a reward for an exemplary life path. The installation constitutes a logical step for her. Her given name is perfect for her personality, as the title I-Ntahe signifies both the commanding baton used by Notables when settling disputes and the declaration of the final word when, after listening to the complainants, a decision has been pronounced.

Ntahe plans to use her role as advisor and mediator in this traditional institution to fight for the respect of widows in particular and on behalf of women in general. She believes this traditional institution complements the country’s legal system by helping citizens resolve certain disputes at a grassroots community level.

Women’s participation in political life in Burundi remains at the moment very feeble. Women tend to play the “follower” role in their couple relationship, in their political party or their region, but there is hope that this situation will change for the better with the passage of the Quota Law. Thanks to its passage and application, as of 2010, 42 percent of the Deputies in the National Assembly in Burundi are now female.

The rights of the child are not respected in Burundi, Ntahe says, noting that the number of street children is growing. There are children incarcerated, children are being sexually abused, there are few schools for children with disabilities or those with special needs, and children with HIV/AIDS are not assisted or provided care. Ntahe deplores the fact that issues of children’s rights in Burundi are solely the interest of international institutions or those associations that are focusing on children’s issues. The legal system does not always pursue those who are responsible for the myriad violations of children’s rights. It is her fervent belief that the love for children should be a priority, given that it is the children who are the country’s future and who are called to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Her investiture as Notable represents one of many honors she has received. In April 2010, she was honored by the Heart of Africa Association along with two other women from Burundi, Marguerite Béarnaise and