Burundi Eco – Pascasie Nahishakiye, a great figure of Giheta – 2024-08-19 10:05:56 – 2024-08-19 10:05:58

Chief of Kaguhu hill, in the commune of Giheta, province of Gitega, for almost 10 years, Pascasie Nahishakiye is known for her fight against polygamy, illegal marriages, as well as for the construction of bridges. She is also distinguished by her talent in poetic art

Aged 56, widow and mother of three children, Pascasie Nahishakiye is seeking a second term as chief of Kaguhu hill, in the Kabanga zone of the commune of Giheta, province of Gitega, in the center of the country.

She explains that before being elected as a hill chief, she was the deputy of the hill chief. To get elected as the hill chief, Mrs. Nahishakiye informs that she was encouraged by other women grouped in a dance group.

“Currently, I am the head of a hill with six sub-hills. Among the 13 people who competed to administer the hill, I was the only woman. The beginning was not easy. Some colleagues began to underestimate me, but little by little, I adapted,” she rejoices with a smiling face.

She deplores the fact that women struggle to run for office. However, she insists, when we are in decision-making bodies, our voice counts. In the past, it was difficult to participate in decision-making bodies because of traditions that did not facilitate this participation. Today, says Ms. Nahishakiye, the legislation grants us achievements that must be safeguarded.

Social and development

The chief of Kaguhu hill says she is concerned about polygamy and illegal marriages. “I am doing my best to fight polygamy and illegal marriages. Last year, I helped 12 households to formalize their marriage. In May and June 2024, I did the same for 11 households to regularize their union. For those who cannot afford it, I pay out of my own pocket. A household pays 8,200 BIF to regularize its union,” she informs, before recalling that she sensitizes young girls not to let themselves be manipulated by men and boys. This helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Ms. Nahishakiye says she is concerned about the development of her hill and encourages women to come together in community associations to become economically self-reliant. “In addition, we maintain links with other cross-border hills. In June 2024, we rehabilitated three bridges linking Kaguhu hill to Munanira I and Munanira II hills in Rutegama commune, Muramvya province,” she says.

On leadership and art

As for what is close to her heart, Mrs. Nahishakiye admits that she likes to serve her homeland first and foremost. As for gastronomy, she enjoys bananas mixed with peanut flour. As for drinks, she prefers “Primus” beer, milk and water.

Mrs. Nahishakiye also combines her administrative role with poetry. In her poetic art, she adapts according to the situations: wedding parties, official festivities… And she specifies: “I even supervise a group of children who practice modern dance and intore dancers.”

The Kaguhu Hill Chief acknowledges that not everything is easy. For an administrator, sometimes some situations are deemed appropriate while others consider them abnormal. This requires patience and courage.