Burkina Faso: Satisfactory assessment of the implementation of the women's empowerment project
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with its partners, organized a workshop this Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Ouagadougou, to take stock of the implementation of the project: "Strengthening women's empowerment and resilience to promote peace and social cohesion in the North and Sahel regions", which is nearing completion.
After two and a half years of implementation in the North (Gourcy, Ouahigouya, Yako) and Sahel (Dori, Gorgadji) regions, the "Strengthening women's empowerment and resilience to promote peace and social cohesion" project has come to an end.Strengthening women's empowerment and resilience to promote peace and social cohesion" has come to an end. It's time to take stock. Implemented by IOM and financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) to the tune of almost two billion CFA francs, the project has come to an end.two billion CFA francs, this project aimed to contribute to the reduction of instability and vulnerability factors through the creation of socio-economic opportunities for displaced women and members of the host community, while facilitating their participation in the local planning process for greater involvement in peace and cohesion initiatives in these regions.
The project has already benefited 850 people, including 769 women and 385 internally displaced persons (IDPs). These people have been provided with installation kits to set up income-generating activities (AGR). In addition, 36 SCOOPS voluntarily agreed to form cooperatives with the same objectives, and 310 table-benches and 300 school kits were donated to the local population, in order toimprove access to education and learning conditions for at least 900 host pupils and IDPs in the commune of Yako. The communes of Yako, Ouahigouya and Gourcy also received computer and office equipment, as well as essential medicines.to improve access to basic services for host and displaced communities. The project's achievements include the construction of six boreholes to supply drinking water to 3,600 people. Through radio broadcasts, some 13,105 people in the project's communes were made aware of women's participation in the natural resource management process and peaceful cohabitation. Finally, the project has supported 200 micro-projects that have boosted the local economy and created jobs.
An initiative in line with national priorities
IOM representative Ousmane Niang took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Ministry in charge of humanitarian action for the excellent collaboration they have enjoyed in implementing this project. He is convinced that the promotion of cohesion cannot be achieved without the participation of women. "Their contribution is crucial to resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable development. Women are essential actors in peace and stability", he acknowledged. That's why IOM has embarked on this initiative, with the aim of improving their access to education, health care, drinking water, etc. The implementation of this project, he said, has transformed the lives of many in their communities. A significant step has thus been taken towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Issouf Sawadogo, technical advisor to the governor of the northern region, representing the two governors involved in the project, praised the mobilization of all those involved in implementing the project. He congratulated and thanked IOM and its partners for bringing the project to fruition. "We can already look forward to tangible results. Women from different communities have acquired production and IGA management skills," he said with satisfaction. For him, these initial results are a source of hope. On behalf of all the beneficiaries, he expressed his gratitude to IOM and its partners. These initiatives, he pointed out, are in line with national priorities.
Source: lefaso.net/
