Francine recalls the night she woke up as her arms were being hacked off by her husband because she gave birth to a girl. In Burundi, activists and politicians say traditional practices that justify violence, attitudes that discourage women from speaking out, and women's limited economic options often keep them in abusive situations. Some Burundians are agitating for changes in the law and cultural attitudes to protect women against such violence and give them options for a better life. Cathy Majtenyi recently visited the central African nation and filed this report for VOA. A must see! 4:15 min June 20,2008 VOA release.
Domestic violence is a serious, yet underreported problem in Burundi. Activists and politicians say traditional practices that justify violence, attitudes that discourage women from speaking out, and women's limited economic options often keep them in abusive situations. Some Burundians are agitating for changes in the law and cultural attitudes to protect women against such violence and give them options for a better life. Cathy Majtenyi recently visited the central African nation and filed this report for VOA.