by Maminata Fofana
All human beings: women, men, boys and girls; have something to contribute to society.
A permanent resident of Montreal since 2014, I am passionate about solidarity projects having worked in Canada and West Africa. I decided to get involved in Burkina Faso, this wonderful little country between Mali and Ghana, in order to take part in promoting gender equality for a more just and equitable future for the women of rural Burkina Faso.
Thanks to my background in community planning, I was able to join Crossroads volunteer programme in the country a few weeks ago. According to an OECD report published in January 2018, 90% of the population thinks unpaid domestic work is a woman’s responsibility and 70% do not believe that work should be shared. I would like to see those figures change by helping to eradicate the main problems preventing women in sub-Saharan Africa from achieving independence as a way of improving their living conditions. And so, I began my first 12-month mandate with the Burkina Faso Coalition for Women’s Rights (CBDF), a Crossroads International local partner. As a strategic planning advisor, I support the regional and national actions of this major defender of women’s rights in Burkina Faso.
A lack of education, physical and psychological violence and violations of their rights are some of the key obstacles women and young girls must face in most African countries, especially in rural areas. In the space of just a few weeks, I have already seen examples of significant gender disparities: women and girls do all of the housework and look after the entire family. However, they are seldom consulted when it comes to making decisions that affect them, their household and their community.
understanding and supporting the local programmes
In my role at CBDF, I support the team’s mission of helping improve respect for women’s rights when they are not. I also raise awareness among local populations by taking part in developing a strategic plan for the next five years. And I have had the opportunity to speak with the beneficiaries of various programmes: support for women exposed to family exploitation, household communication and raising awareness about food and livestock diversity.
The project to support women facing family exploitation is being conducted by CBDF with help from Tanager, its financial partner. Project objectives include promoting best household practices in order to mitigate the physical and mental burden placed on women, helping women achieve greater independence through developing commercial activities and improving the nutrition status of households. I analyze the scope of our partner’s actions and the mechanisms put in place to meet its development objectives. I am called on to organize workshops for CBDF members and partners aimed at understanding their needs and ways of operating. I am happy to know that the programmes are working: some husbands and wives are communicating better, whereas before, marital tensions could result in physical abuse. Beneficiaries report that the knowledge they’ve acquired at the training sessions has helped them take charge of their own lives and dare to demand the right to work in order to increase the household income.
being part of a community
Although I arrived here only a few short weeks ago, I already feel like I’m a full member of the big CBDF family! I was delighted to be able to celebrate International Volunteer Day here, as a member of this close and resilient community. The people we support on a daily basis often invite me to share meals and activities. Every day, I discover new and enriching aspects of local life that help me contribute to the social and economic well-being of the women of Tita and Poa, and even Ouagadougou.
I urge everyone who wants to put their skills to work for an association to give it some serious thought, look for information and get involved: you will experience a real human adventure!
