Imagine a world where we women, the primary stakeholders in family health, are finally heard and represented at the highest levels of decision-making. That's the fight I've been leading since my election as an alternate member of the "Women, Girls and Children" Constituency Group of the Global Fund 's Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) in Burkina Faso.
The CCM, a crucial role but few women at the table
The CCM is a national committee that submits our country's funding requests to the Global Fund and ensures strategic monitoring of grants to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. A crucial role in which we women remain under-represented.
My active involvement in the CCM
It was to change this situation that I became involved, with the support of the Voix Essentielles program, which promotes female leadership. At the CCM, I don't just attend meetings. I'm actively involved in key processes, such as negotiations with the Global Fund's decision-making bodies.
As a member of the focal team, I'm working with my peers to acquire a new grant that will play a decisive role in strengthening our country's healthcare system and, above all, guaranteeing patients' access to care and essential medicines. It's a huge responsibility that I'm proud to take on as a young woman leader from a community-based organization. My commitment to this committee reflects my determination to bring the voice of women to bear on the strategic decisions that affect our lives.
The Voix Essentielles workshop in Abidjan, an inspiring experience
Last February, I was lucky enough to take part in a capacity-building and experience-sharing workshop organized by the Voix Essentielles initiative in Abidjan. For four days, I was nourished both humanly and intellectually by meeting other young women leaders from Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.
One of the highlights was the high-level event on "the importance of platforms, dialogue spaces and representation in the fight against gender-based violence and for the achievement of gender equality". I had the honor of participating as a panelist to share my experience with the CCM and my vision for strengthening women's leadership in these bodies.
Bringing women's specific concerns to bear at all levels
For beyond my presence on the CCM, which I hope will be inspiring, I am above all concerned to ensure that our specific concerns and needs are taken into account at all levels. We women are at both ends of the health chain. Our voice must be taken into account if we are to accelerate the control and elimination of the pandemics being combated by the Global Fund.
My expertise in the field, my mission and my vision
We, the young girls from the community, have our place in these bodies because we know the realities on the ground. We'll be able to bring the real problems to the right place, and even propose appropriate solutions.
Representing my community with dignity, making women's voices heard at the highest level, inspiring other young girls to take on responsibilities is the mission I've set myself. It's an immense task, but one that's vital if we are to achieve universal health coverage.
Building the future of pandemic control together
Meetings like the one in Abidjan reinforce my determination. Together, we, young women leaders, are paving the way for a new generation of activists committed to making gender equality and health for all a reality. What if this is the future of the fight against major pandemics? I want to believe it. With your support, anything is possible. Together, let's make women's voices heard!
Amanda Sawadogo
General Secretary of the Association Soutien aux enfants et femmes vulnérables
Member of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism
Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we shine a spotlight on the unwavering efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending this practice. Among these champions is Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy, a beacon of hope and a leader in the fight against gender-based violence, including FGM.
Meet Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy
As the Executive Secretary of the Senegalese Association for the Future of Women and Children (ASAFE), Fatimata has dedicated over a decade to public health and humanitarian efforts, with a strong focus on empowering women and youth. Her journey began with the Association of Youth for Development (AJD/Pasteef), where she led programs to combat violence against women and girls. Her commitment extends beyond program leadership to active participation in raising awareness and advocating for change in a society where women have been historically marginalized.
Fatimata's Message
Fatimata believes in the power of involving future parents - our youth - in the fight against FGM. She stands firm in her conviction that empowering women and girls is not just a noble cause but a duty of every citizen. With a rich background in social work, public finance and management, human rights, and humanitarian action, she is a force for positive change, recently elected as the deputy mayor of the city of Guédiawaye.
As we reflect on the alarming statistics shared by UNFPA - with nearly 4.4 million girls at risk of FGM in 2024 alone - let's remember the importance of leadership like Fatimata's in our collective efforts. It will take an estimated $2.75 billion to eliminate FGM by 2030 in key countries, but with leaders like Fatimata and the support of our global network, we can accelerate progress and ensure no woman or girl is left behind.
Join us in celebrating Fatimata Mamadou Lamine Sy and the countless others working tirelessly to end FGM. Their leadership and dedication inspire us all to contribute to a more equitable and just world.
Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with 31% of women reporting that they have been victims of intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. According to the International Monetary Fund, for every 1% increase in the number of women victims of gender-based violence, national economic activity falls by up to 8%. The correlation between gender-based violence and economic development underlines the urgency of combating this problem if Africa is to prosper.
December 10 not only marks Human Rights Day, but also symbolizes the end of the annual international campaign "16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence against Women and Girls". Initiated in 1991 with the inauguration of the International Women's Leadership Institute, this campaign aims to mobilize worldwide support for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The theme of this year's 16 Days campaign is "Investing to prevent violence against women and girls", underlining the importance of investing in different prevention strategies to stop violence in its tracks.
In solidarity with the global initiative, the Basketball African League and Speak Up Africa, through the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, have taken proactive steps to combat gender-based violence. The two organizations, which have been collaborating since the beginning of 2023, organized a gender training session for young female basketball players and launched a digital awareness campaign saying "No to GBV". The objectives were to strengthen the sharing of experiences between Voix EssentiELLES beneficiaries in Senegal and young BAL athletes, enhance participants' knowledge of GBV and "positive masculinity", and increase the visibility of the 16 Days of Activism through campaigns on social networks.
Gender expert Marietou DIA, mobilized for the training, pointed out that few athletes are adequately sensitized to gender-based violence during training sessions. Despite the various forms of violence prevalent in the sporting community, victims often remain silent for fear of reprisals, shame or taboo. It is crucial that the entire sporting community mobilizes effectively and fights against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
Activities included a basketball camp at the NBA Academy, giving BAL the opportunity to identify talented young girls for the U23 camp in Rwanda. A gender training workshop brought together 20 young female basketball players, five female coaches from BAL and two representatives of Voix EssentiELLES from Senegal - Sylvie Diack, coordinator of the Club des jeunes filles de Kolda and Fatimata SY, activist and Secretary General of the Association Sénégalaise pour l'Avenir de la Femme et de l'Enfant (ASAFE) - as co-facilitators. Discussions focused on gender-related concepts, gender stereotypes, power dynamics, social norms, types of violence, referral structures for GBV victims and survivors, etc. Discussion groups led by Voix EssentiELLES were formed, and case studies were carried out on a specific theme to encourage the exchange and sharing of experiences, motivating players to get involved in the fight against GBV. One of the major successes of this activity was the creation of a space for dialogue and the sharing of experiences between participants. The girls benefited from practical tools for advocacy and GBV case management. In the end, they came up with slogans to say "No to GBV".
In conclusion, it is vital to create spaces for dialogue and the sharing of experiences between women from different backgrounds. The young athletes received practical advocacy tools and learned how to deal with cases of GBV. It is imperative to put in place preventive measures, train sports supervisors and promote values of equality, respect and non-violence within the sporting community.
As the trainer aptly states, "by working together, we can help put an end to this violence and create an inclusive and safe environment for all." Voix EssentiELLES paves the way, a sign of hope for a future free of gender-based violence.
From December 01 to 05, the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections was held in Harare, Zimbabwe. An extremely enriching experience.
Young people are the most exposed to sexually transmitted infections. Thanks to the Voix EssentiELLES and Her Voice initiatives at ICASA 2023, we will have an educated youth to carry the voice of AIDS prevention. Following the presentation of the two organizations' strategies, we note many points in common, notably the accompaniment of so-called small organizations, the technical support offered to organizations, and of course, the importance of advocacy to achieve sustainable change.
ICASA 2023, Sex education is taboo in African communities. The solutions often mentioned in the various panels are first and foremost to focus on advocacy to make young people's voices heard, and on education for responsible sexuality. Accompany, support, train and reinforce to tackle inequalities and put an end to HIV/AIDS.
Thanks to the support of various organizations such as Speak Up Africa as part of the Voix EssentiELLES project, initiatives have been developed, but the lack of information and access to sexual and reproductive health tools leaves the door open to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
What struck me at ICASA was the involvement of young people. They're not just there to fill out the diversity of representation. They were present and involved. They moderated the panels, ran the exhibits, managed the stands and mastered the concept.
ICASA is a unique platform in the sense that it allows free expression without a priori judgments. The unavailability of space for expression limits progress in both health and GBV. Voix EssentiELLES, like Her Voice, provides a human understanding of the issues.
My favorite was the panel on: Keeping girls in school is a human right and a way to protect them from HIV. I work on keeping girls in school and on their health and well-being within the school. So, an opportunity for me to consider a peer-led awareness and prevention project.
I was very impressed by the peer educators' stands. Peer education is an initiative similar to those I have within my organization on sexual and reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. This time, however, the focus was exclusively on HIV/AIDS, with awareness-raising carried out by young people who have lived the experience for young people. I'm going to make the most of the connections I've made to extend the West African civil society platform and form solutions and approaches in Matam based on the experiences of my peers. ICASA 2023, Educating young people about responsible sexuality is necessary, because their voice is essential in AIDS prevention.
Written by WOPPA DIALLO | Executive Director AMFE SENEGAL
At the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), held in early December 2023 in Zimbabwe, the NGO Speak Up Africa was particularly active. In addition to a sharing session dedicated to its flagship program Voix Essentielles, the team also took part in the Ready Summit and the Youth Conference.
Sharing session between Voix Essentielles and Her Voice Fund: converging visions
At this meeting, the heads of the two programs were able to compare their respective approaches. The Voix Essentielles initiative, launched in 2021 with the support of the Global Fund and the CHANEL Foundation, aims to strengthen the participation of West African women and girls in health policies. It is based on providing funding to local women's associations and leadership training for influential women.
For its part, the Her Voice Fund is a mechanism financed by the Global Fund and ViiV Healthcare to amplify the voice of adolescent girls and young women in Southern Africa in national decision-making bodies on health and HIV.
The session provided an opportunity for Voix Essentielles beneficiaries to exchange views with their Southern African counterparts committed to the common agenda of combating gender-based violence, and to learn from each other's experiences.
Dr Astou Fall, Program Director, Speak Up Africa.
Participants stressed the importance of looking at these two initiatives holistically, combining capacity building, access to healthcare services and advocacy for equity and quality of care. Several avenues for collaboration were suggested, such as the organization of joint events or joint advocacy with donors.
With a shared vision focused on the empowerment of women and girls across the continent, the synergy of action could be harnessed to maximize the reach and sustainability of both programs.
Ready Summit: Speak Up Africa reaffirms its support for youth
The Speak Up Africa delegation was also represented at the plenary session of the Ready Summit, devoted to youth leadership on HIV/AIDS. The event reflects the NGO's commitment to empowering young girls.
During the debates, Speak Up Africa reaffirmed its position in favor of universal access to preventive treatment and respect for sexual and reproductive health rights. The organization also promoted the application of the Maputo Protocol on women's rights, in the face of rising conservatism.
Youth conference: an overview of the challenges
At the ICASA Youth Conference, Speak Up Africa was able to gauge the expectations of the new generation in the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Several avenues for improvement were identified, such as the creation of mentorships and discussion forums on sensitive subjects such as mental health and sexuality.
Strengthening the leadership and capacities of young people is a priority for Speak Up Africa. The organization will continue to support youth associations to ensure their involvement in the development of public health policies.
This article was produced thanks to Speak Up Africa's "Lines for Impact" initiative.
Originally published on Mosso news
The Voix EssentiELLES initiative is a pilot project financed by the CHANEL Foundation and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It is implemented by Speak Up Africa (SUA), a Dakar-based non-profit organization specialized in advocacy and strategic communications. The initiative is based on three main pillars: a Commitment Fund, a capacity-building program and a leadership program. Voix EssentiELLES provides grants of $15,000 per CSO, through a dedicated fund, to invest in capacity-building for women's and girls' community organizations, groups and networks, and their leaders.
For its phase 1, in September and October 2023, the Voix EssentiELLES initiative kicked off with the organization of 03 series of workshops in its countries of intervention: Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The aim of these workshops was to capitalize on the achievements of the pilot phase and to define with the beneficiary organizations the objectives of the roadmaps to be implemented from September 2023 to May 2024, including strengthening the increased representation of women's and girls' organizations in health governance bodies, improving the living conditions of women and girls affected by tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and GBV, and facilitating access to quality sexual health services for women and girls.
The specific objectives were to: i. Present the results and recommendations of the pilot phase evaluation. ii. Discuss strategic orientations and interventions for the next phase based on the recommendations. iii. Facilitate interaction between pilot phase organizations and new recruits. iv. Encourage experience sharing between beneficiary organizations in each country and v. Develop draft action plans for organizations from September 2023 to May 2024.
Act 1: Workshop in Senegal (September 18-20, 2023)
The workshop in Senegal took place from September 18 to 20, 2023 at CNLS headquarters in Dakar. The workshop brought together 33 participants, including representatives of Speak Up Africa, the Instance de Coordination Nationale des subventions du FM, civil society (ICN), and 26 representatives of the initiative's beneficiary organizations. The event aimed to achieve key deliverables, such as the identification of strategic interventions for participating organizations and the development of action plans for these organizations.
The first day saw participants welcomed, an opening ceremony with welcome speeches and introductions, the introduction of new organizations, as well as presentations on Speak Up Africa, the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, the results of the pilot phase and project indicators. Discussions and question-and-answer sessions followed, with the presentation of the 2022 roadmaps and orientations for the 2023 action plans. Thematic working groups were formed to develop these action plans. Day two saw further development of the action plans in working groups, with group discussions and progress updates, culminating in the finalization and presentation of the group action plans. Finally, the third day included a recap of the previous days, presentation and discussion of the finalized action plans, guidance on the initiative's administrative and financial procedures, and a closing ceremony with general recommendations and next steps.
Workshops in Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso followed a similar format and focused on sharing knowledge, promoting collaboration, and empowering women and girls to advocate for their health and well-being.
Act 2: Workshop in Côte d'Ivoire (September 28-29, 2023)
Côte d'Ivoire embraced the foundations laid by Senegal, focusing on learning from and reinforcing the results of the first day. The second phase of the workshop took place in Abidjan, where 20 representatives of selected NGOs gathered for the second day. This session began with a reminder of the previous day's discussions and a review of the first day's report. The Minister of Women, Family and Children was represented by Dr AMETHIER Solange, outgoing President of ICN Côte d'Ivoire. Recommendations on the involvement of public structures and local authorities were left to the organizations. The Platform of Civil Society Networks was represented, and played an active role in guiding CSOs working on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
On the second day, participants continued to work in their thematic groups, finalizing their action plans taking into account the recommendations left by the invited bodies at the launch. A distinctive feature of the day was a financial session led by Mr. Siaka Traoré, Speak Up Africa's Chief Accountant, offering valuable information on administrative procedures, eligible expenses and financial reporting. The day ended with the presentation of the results of the thematic groups, laying the foundations for concrete action plans.
Act 3: Workshop in Burkina Faso (October 4-6, 2023)
The final chapter of the Voix EssentiELLES workshop took place in Burkina Faso, focusing on knowledge exchange and the creation of innovative action plans. Change agents from Burkina Faso, informed by the ideas and actions undertaken by their peers in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, joined forces in this regional initiative. The first day in Burkina Faso was a continuation of the learning and planning process. In addition to the beneficiary CBOs, it saw the participation of several partners, such as representatives of the main beneficiaries of GF grants, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry in charge of gender, and the Vice-President of the Instance de Coordination Nationale des subventions des Ressources du Fonds Mondial in Burkina Faso.
As in previous countries, the day began with a review of the project objectives and a presentation of the results and recommendations of the pilot phase. Participants discussed strategic directions for the next phase based on the recommendations, and engaged further with the core thematic areas. They collectively began drafting action plans that would guide the initiative from September 2023 to May 2024.
In conclusion, these workshops marked a decisive moment in the Voix EssentiELLES initiative, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of women and girls in West and Central Africa. The results of these meetings will undoubtedly contribute to positive change and more equitable health policies for women and girls in the region. It was an opportunity for the partners to reiterate their commitment to supporting the project in achieving these objectives.
International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated every October 11, is a globally recognized initiative to advocate for the rights and empowerment of girls around the world. A necessary reminder that many girls around the world still face daunting challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and the disproportionate burden of the consequences of climate change. These challenges underline the urgency of promoting gender equality and the essential role of girls in promoting sustainable development.
In this context, JGEN, an organization dedicated to the defense of girls' rights and empowerment in Senegal, played a crucial role in collaboration with Speak Up Africa. Together, they led a resounding campaign, whose commitment and enthusiasm were evident as they embarked on a journey to make a difference on International Day of the Girl Child. This initiative is part of a wider effort by Voix EssentiELLES, highlighting the importance of giving girls and women a voice in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
The context for this inspiring day is set by the regional "POTENTI'ELLES" campaign, a collective effort across West and Central Africa, focused on advocating for the promotion and protection of girls' rights. Despite significant progress in women's and girls' rights and gender equality, many girls continue to face a multitude of challenges, from limited access to education and healthcare, to the impact of climate change on their conditions. JGEN, in collaboration with Speak Up Africa, has been at the forefront of this campaign, working tirelessly to raise awareness of these challenges and stimulate collective action, demonstrating their dedication and passion in their quest to make a difference on International Day of the Girl.
A day in Fatick
In Fatick, a gathering was held to celebrate the day with a strong sense of determination. The agenda was packed with events that reflected the importance of the day and the urgent challenges facing young girls. The highlight of the day was the reading of an advocacy note by two young girls from Fatick, highlighting the devastating consequences of climate change on their lives, including climate-related school disruptions, economic shocks on climate-sensitive households, increased risk of early marriage, transactional sex, HIV infection and early pregnancy due to lack of education, among others.
Among the 100 girls in attendance, two from the JAGAMMAR Children's Group stood as the voices of their generation, highlighting the intersection of gender equality and climate action. Their words were a reminder that climate change disproportionately affects young girls, who often bear the brunt of its consequences. The authorities present, including the SRAJ manager and the CDPE coordinator, also witnessed this poignant plea, emphasizing the protection and promotion of children's rights in the Fatick department.
JGEN's commitment
JGEN's commitment to empowering young girls is unwavering. The day was a demonstration of their dedication to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to become a leader. Their focus goes beyond raising awareness - JGEN is actively working to solve critical issues, such as raising the legal age of marriage for girls to 18, ensuring access to basic social services and mitigating the impact of climate change on children.
Support from Speak Up Africa
Speak Up Africa believes in the potential and power of young girls to become agents of change and leaders within their communities, and therefore remains proud to support JGEN in its mission. The organization recognizes that gender equality is at the heart of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG5), and by investing in young girls, they are helping to build a more equal future for all.
In conclusion, International Day of the Girl was a day of celebration, empowerment and advocacy. It was an opportunity to listen to the voices of young girls who are not only dreaming big, but actively working towards a better future. JGEN's commitment, in collaboration with Speak Up Africa, was at the forefront of the "POTENTI'ELLES" campaign, which is part of the wider Voix EssentiELLES initiatives. Together, Speak Up Africa and JGEN are working to make a difference, and International Day of the Girl is a reminder that the dreams and aspirations of young girls deserve to be celebrated and encouraged.
Fortunately, community-based women's organisations are working to reduce this gap by ensuring that women and girls are involved in decision-making processes that affect them. Through the Voix Essentielles initiative, these organisations in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire are helping to amplify women’s voices and improve access to health services for them all.
Some of their activities, highlighted by Moussonews...
In Senegal, Sope Sa Njabot has been informing, raising awareness and advising people on all aspects of the fight against tuberculosis since 2006. A community approach that is bearing fruit in Mbour thanks to support from Speak up Africa through the Voix Essentielles programme.
In Mbour, located on La Petite-Côte, about 80 km south of Dakar and bordering the seaside resort of Saly, Alimatou Sadiya Samb, community liaison officer for the Sope Sa Njabot association, regularly visits people in her neighbourhood to show them how to protect themselves against tuberculosis. This community volunteer is involved in a campaign to prevent and treat tuberculosis, even in the most remote areas of her commune during the rainy season. (...) Alimatou Sadiya Samb fully embraces her mission.
"We sometimes come across people with mental disorders or people with disabilities living with the disease without help. We are the relays who become their mothers and fathers. We are the ones who make sure they get better because they have no one to help them."
Alimatou Sadiya Samb, community relay of the association Sope Sa Njabot
Senegal has recorded good results in terms of infant, neonatal and maternal mortality in recent years. Behind this success lies a tremendous effort by the Bajenu Gox. We went to Thiès to see the recipe for the success of these “neighbourhood godmothers”, recipients of Voix Essentielles funds.
On a chilly morning, after light rain had fallen on Thiès the day before, the Bajenu Gox, all dressed in white, organised a chat session, one of their flagship activities. At these events, they share their knowledge with each other. Adja Fatou Badiane, a Bajenu Gox (which means “neighbourhood godmother” in Wolof), heads the Bajenu Gox association of Thiès, which has more than 250 active members. (...) Adja Fatou Badiane describes the main areas they work in:
"We advocate for action in three areas to reduce maternal mortality. The first one is about women’s decision to wait too long before going to hospital. We raise women’s awareness so they don’t wait for the last minute before going to a health facility. Going to hospital late poses enormous risks. Secondly, we also intervene in the late provision of care in hospital. Finally, difficult access to certain health structures is our third area of advocacy."
Adja Fatou Badiane, Bajenu Gox
People suffering from tuberculosis are cared for and monitored free of charge by the association - Coeur Valide - in San Pedro in Côte d'Ivoire. Among them are more than 200 lesbians. Their support is further facilitated by the Voix Essentielles programme.
Being a lesbian and having a disease like TB is an uphill struggle in Côte d'Ivoire. In San Pedro, the Coeur Valide association keeps coming to their rescue. Christiane, 30, owes her survival to this association. She is a trader who belongs to this sexual minority, and has suffered from tuberculosis for a long time. She is now cured thanks to the association’s monitoring programme. With a lump in her throat and her eyes filled with tears, the young woman testifies that she has survived thanks to the care provided by Cœur Valide.
"The disease was slowly eating away at me. I was suffering on a daily basis. But when I found out about the Cœur Valide project, I was able to benefit from the care provided, free of charge. I feel much better."
Christiane, trader
The issue of menstrual hygiene management is a concern in many African countries. Menstruation is sometimes a reason for girls to drop out of school. In Côte d'Ivoire, the association Femme en Action (Fenac) advocates for the distribution of hygiene kits in schools. It has carried out several activities and campaigns to raise awareness as part of the Voix Essentielles programme.
Adopting a policy to distribute sanitary towels to teenage girls in schools in Côte d'Ivoire is now the Femme en action association’s fight. Nadège Epi Kouadou, the project’s coordinator, has not had a moment's rest since she began supporting Speak Up Africa with the Voix Essentielles programme for the Top fille project. With her team, she travels to establishments in Abgoville, 71 kilometres from Abidjan, to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management.
Malaria is the leading cause of mortality in Burkina Faso. Among the thousands of preventable deaths are several women and children. In Bittou, a town on the Ghana and Togo border, the Widows and Orphans Association is at the forefront of the fight against this deadly endemic with support from the Voix Essentielles fund.
Although the mother acts to guarantee the wellbeing of children, households and the community, the decision to seek health care does not rest with the head of the household. This gender inequality slows down the many efforts underway to control and eliminate malaria in the Centre-East region of Burkina Faso. The Bittou Association of Widows and Orphans (AVORB) aims to break this social barrier through its malaria and tuberculosis prevention advocacy.
For six months, the president of the association, Maïmouna Savadogo, and her facilitators held information sessions for women on how to prevent malaria and on how important it is for them to seek health care. Heads of households are also educated during these community talks
Discussing sexual health issues in the commune of Garango, a town in the Centre-East region of Burkina Faso, could be considered an affront to morality. Strategically and with a community-based approach, as part of the Voix Essentielles programme, the Gnintowama association has been able to establish exchanges around the issue of sexual and reproductive health. Thousands of local women and girls are now enlightened on the subject and make independent decisions.
Sabine (not her real name), 17, owes her life to the Gnintawoma association. She had tried to have a clandestine abortion. The bleeding hadn’t stopped, to the extent that some of her friends were concerned about her health. The educational talk held by the Gnintawoma association in their school came as a sound of relief. At the end of May 2022, Sabine’s high school in Garango was chosen for a campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of abortion and drugs, but also on contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies
Every 28 May is World Menstrual Hygiene Day. This day concerns us all, regardless of sex, age, race, geographical location or religion. Yet in Burkina Faso, talking about menstruation is still a taboo subject. This difficulty in talking about menstruation in general and in particular about the behaviour to adopt for good menstrual hygiene hinders the progress of many efforts that are made daily for gender equality.
Menstruation is a natural and normal biological process that indicates a woman's good reproductive health. It should not be perceived as a phenomenon that gives off a negative aura, fear, shame and embarrassment. This is why World Menstrual Hygiene Day is intended to be an opportunity to break taboos about menstruation, to raise awareness and to start a conversation on the subject. It also aims to raise awareness of menstrual precariousness among key actors and decision makers.
Among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 6 "Clean Water and Sanitation" aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of safe drinking water and sanitation, and one of the specific goals involves providing women and girls with access to adequate sanitation and hygiene by 2030. It is therefore essential that menstrual hygiene is aligned as a public health priority.
To boost the celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day and make our contribution to the fight, we are constantly organising events. Examples include digital campaigns, educational talks, training on how to make reusable sanitary pads, advocacy, and activities to mobilise personal resources to provide reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable girls and women.
All these actions reflect our vision: "to create a world in which all girls and women are fulfilled". These actions also aim to :
On 24 May this year, we launched a digital campaign on our communication networks. Also, on Saturday 28 May, we held a discussion on menstruation in general and the myths surrounding the topic. This discussion brought together more than twenty of our members and will end with an aerobic session to denounce the many difficulties that young girls and women face during their menstruation.
Don't stand on the sidelines, we all need to break the taboos around menstrual health and hygiene management, so get involved with us too!
By Farida Tiemtore, President of Héroïnes du Faso and recipient of the Voix EssentiELLES Fund.
Bénédicte Baillou: We created this movement because we want to contribute to reducing social inequalities with a feminist approach. We believe that in order to change the perception of women in society, it is essential to put words to the patriarchal flaws that women are victims of.
First of all, we need to change the narrative, so in this sense we are raising awareness through social networks, then we are doing training and information because the more girls and women are trained, the better they can participate in changing things.
The legal and psychological clinic that provides free support to girls and women who are victims of GBV. We provide them with legal support and judicial assistance so that they can obtain compensation. The second pride for us is the establishment of the political incubator, which is now operational.
The political incubator is a source of pride for us because it is the main reason why the movement was set up in the first place. "Decisions that are made without us for us are made against us. We no longer want to be absent from the decision-making spheres, we want to have our say in the development of public policies and in their implementation. It is for this reason that we are implementing a series of advocacy activities to take into account specific needs in the programming of health policies through the Speak Up Africa Essential Voices initiative.
The first ambition is to position the FEMIN-IN Citizen Movement as a civil society organisation that works with and for communities. The other ambition is to participate in the highlighting of a new generation of political women and girls. Finally, we want to contribute to the emergence of a Burkinabe feminist movement.
For real social change, it is imperative to rely on and with women. Because no nation will develop sustainably without equitable social justice.
Journalist participating in Speak Up Africa's 'Lines for Impact' initiative.