“WOMAN, ARISE AND SHINE” was the theme of the Women’s Organization leadership Conference held at the Annual Conference level, which took place in the Rohero_Parish premises on October 2–4, 2025. Words chosen in alignment with the theme of the Burundi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, which is, “Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you”. (Isaiah 60:1-2)
In her opening speech, Deacon Delphine Uwimana, President of Women Organization, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his unwavering support to the event. She also thanked the Organization Committee, clergy and laity members, guests and everyone who contributed to the success of the gathering. Deacon Delphine also appreciated the progress achieved by the United Methodist Church in Burundi in combating gender-based violence , which has led to women being entrusted with various responsibilities in the Church. She cites pastors, superintendents, and deaconesses. She then called on the Women representatives “to rise and shine” in their families, churches, communities, nations and beyond by being good role models. She encouraged them not to give up or be held back by a low self-esteem, as it undermines their potential.
H.E. Bishop Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, the first panelist, explained what the Bible says about women, highlighting examples of women who “arose and shone,” such as Hannah who shone through prayer, and Ruth who was faithful. He also gave examples of women who failed to shine, like Eve who listened to the serpent, and Jezebel who misused her leadership power. Some of the obstacles he mentioned that prevent women from shining include fear, lack of financial independence, limited knowledge, certain cultural practices and traditions that oppress women, past traumas, and the absence of spiritual mentors.
In the second panel, on how a woman can shine in the church, community, and nation, Rev. Jérémie Niyonkuru, Ngozi District Superintendent, stated that shining is a divine command for people to be transformed when the light reaches them. He called on all women to be exemplary in speech, behavior, and actions, so they may shine spiritually.
In the third panel, Rev. Venant Biganama explained what a woman can do in the church to shine. According to him, devotion to prayer, loyalty to the church, encouraging church leaders, supporting fellow women, recognizing her strength, and fighting against poverty are the pillars of a woman’s ability to shine.
The fourth and final panel of the day was given by Ntiruvakure Odette, who discussed how a woman can safeguard her mental health to be able to shine. Odette reminded women that mental health is the foundation of life that enables a person to face challenges. She advised them to examine themselves in order to combat threats to their mental and physical health.
The comments and questions raised revealed that oppression still exists in some families, where men make decisions about the household without consulting their wives. Some women complain about husbands who demand their salaries without disclosing their own earnings.
The panels concluded with amusement, where the women went on an evening outing to Lake Tanganyika.
