In communities across Burundi, women and girls are rising — not in spite of the challenges they face, but through them. At the heart of this movement is Active Women Arise for Sustainable Development, known simply as AWARD: a civil society organization committed to unlocking the potential of girls, women, and communities as active agents of sustainable change.
“We believe every woman and girl possesses unique potential to be a positive force — for themselves, their communities, and national development.”
Who We Are
AWARD was founded on a simple but powerful conviction: that sustainable development cannot happen without the full and equal participation of women and girls. Based in Burundi, we work at the intersection of gender equality, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion – investing in human potential to create ripple effects that reach families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Our mission is to invest in the empowerment of girls, women, and communities, igniting their potential to shape resilient and inclusive societies. Our vision is a world where women and girls are active change-makers, co-creating inclusive systems, equal opportunities, and resilient communities for sustainable futures.
Our Values: RISE
Everything we do at AWARD is guided by four core values that we call RISE:
- Resilience — We cultivate the strength and adaptability to overcome challenges and thrive in changing environments.
- Inclusion — We promote equitable participation and opportunities for all, leaving no one behind.
- Sustainability — We pursue long-term social, economic, and environmental solutions for present and future generations.
- Excellence — We uphold the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and effectiveness in all our initiatives.
Our Approach
AWARD’s approach is grounded in the belief that empowerment is not given — it is cultivated. We work through entrepreneurship training, skills development, mentorship, and advocacy to help women and girls build self-awareness, strengthen their capacities, and step confidently into leadership roles.
We do not work for communities. We work with them — fostering active participation in decision-making, innovation, and environmental stewardship so that the change that happens is genuinely owned by the people it serves.
Four Strategic Pillars
Our programmes are organized around four strategic pillars that define where we focus our energy and resources:
- Women & Girls Empowerment
- Inclusive & Resilient Communities
- Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
- Innovation & Growth
These pillars are not silos – they are interconnected. A woman trained in entrepreneurship becomes a community leader. A girl who stays in school becomes an environmental advocate. At AWARD, we understand that real development happens when all these dimensions grow together.
AWARD is building a Burundi where no woman or girl is left behind – and where their leadership shapes a more just, resilient, and sustainable future for all. If you share this vision, we invite you to learn more, get involved, and support our work.