SOJPAE Warns of Alarmingly Low Female University Completion Rates in Burundi

Burundi’s non-profit organization SOJPAE has expressed concern over the low number of girls completing higher education, warning that persistent barriers to education could limit women’s participation in the country’s future leadership.

Speaking to local media on Friday, SOJPAE-Burundi Vice President David Ninganza said available data show that the number of girls completing their education remains low at every level, particularly in higher education.

“The data show that girls’ education in Burundi continues to face significant challenges,” Ninganza said.

According to Ninganza, the main obstacles revolve around three key issues: access to education, keeping girls in school, and ensuring they complete their studies.

He noted that female enrollment declines steadily as students progress through the education system, with women accounting for less than 30 percent of university graduates.

“The figures continue to decrease at the university level and are estimated at about 28 percent—less than 30 percent. Who, then, will occupy decision-making positions if women are not accessing higher education?” he asked.

Ninganza called for stronger efforts to increase girls’ participation in education, arguing that some existing legal provisions also undermine girls’ right to continue their studies.

He cited Article 70 of Burundi’s school regulations, which requires schoolgirls who become pregnant to wait 12 months before returning to class.

“This provision is also a shortcoming,” he said.

The organization further argues that education is not legally compulsory in Burundi, a situation Ninganza believes contributes to low school completion rates among girls.

“We propose that education become a legal obligation rather than simply an opportunity, as currently stipulated in Burundi’s Constitution,” he said.

SOJPAE also identified household poverty and unwanted pregnancies as major factors preventing girls from completing their education.

Government acknowledges challenges

The Burundian government has acknowledged the existing disparities in girls’ education and says it is preparing reforms aimed at improving equity and educational outcomes.

Speaking on Thursday on the sidelines of the Second Pan-African Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Education held in Burundi’s economic capital Bujumbura, Minister of Education and Scientific Research François Havyarimana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education for girls and women.

“The Government of Burundi remains committed to pursuing reforms that promote equity, inclusion and quality education for everyone, particularly girls and women,” Havyarimana said.

The minister presented government statistics showing that girls account for 50.45 percent of preschool enrollment and 51.48 percent of enrollment in basic education.

However, completion rates decline significantly at higher levels. Nationally, girls’ completion rates stand at 57 percent in primary education and 33.8 percent in secondary education. At the university level, the completion rate is approximately 25 percent, while female students represent only 44.6 percent of total university enrollment nationwide.

Planned reforms

Havyarimana said the government is developing new strategies to improve educational opportunities for girls and women.

Among the measures planned under the 2026–2027 national budget is the reintroduction of student meal services at the University of Burundi, which the minister said would help create better living and learning conditions for students.

The government also plans to partner with the private sector to construct student residences at both public and private universities. According to Havyarimana, the initiative is intended to provide safer and more supportive accommodation for students, improving their overall learning environment.