Burkina Faso/Bobo-Dioulasso: Young female leaders empowered for civic and political action

The Coalition burkinabè pour les droits de la femme (CBDF), with the support of the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF), is organizing a training session from September 11 to 12, 2025 in Bobo-Dioulasso, on the theme: "Empowering young girl leaders: from citizen mobilization to building strategic alliances". This initiative is part of the project "Promoting the participation of women and girls in political life in the communes of Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou and Manga".

In Burkina Faso, as in many other countries, the representation of women in decision-making bodies remains low. While progress has been made, structural, cultural and economic obstacles remain powerful and limit the active participation of young girls and women leaders in political and civic life. In response to these challenges, CBDF and its partner AWDF are stepping up their training initiatives.

Their aim is to give young women the means to mobilize their communities and build solid alliances capable of increasing their influence and presence in decision-making spheres.
According to trainer Adèle Traoré, the theme of this session arose from the expectations expressed by the participants themselves. "We wanted to strengthen their leadership skills to enable them to participate actively and responsibly. The current module is the fruit of recommendations from previous training sessions. It aims to develop their power of action through citizen mobilization and the building of networks and strategic alliances", she explained.

Training focused on practice and action

Over two days, participants will be introduced to two main modules. The first, dedicated to citizen and community mobilization, will enable them to learn how to build solid arguments around a cause of common interest and engage their communities in collective action. The second module, focused on building networks and alliances, will highlight the importance of collaborative work.

The methodology adopted will favor a participative approach, including interactive exchanges, case studies, group work and testimonials from inspiring models. The aim is to reconcile theory and practice, so that the girls can immediately apply the knowledge acquired in their communities.

At the end of the two days, participants should be able to plan and carry out mobilization actions in the field; develop community mobilization plans; identify and collaborate with at least five strategic partners; and create an internal network of mutual support and collaboration.

For CBDF board member Momo Ibaranté, this initiative is a continuation of the coalition's strong commitment since 2022. "Since 2022, with the support of our partner AWDF, we have been equipping young girls to take action and play their part in political and civic life. Our main expectation is that they will put what they have learned into practice, form solid alliances and have a lasting influence on political decisions, first at local level and then at national level."

Motivated and confident youth

The young leaders present in Bobo-Dioulasso made no secret of their enthusiasm or their ambitions. For Farida Yasmine Gomina, a children's animator, these sessions are a real lever for commitment. "These training sessions enable me to pass on what I've learned to young people and promote social cohesion. We want to move away from theory and apply the tools of community mobilization and commitment directly to everyday life," she says.

Arlette Ganou, a part-time teacher and entrepreneur, echoed the same sentiments. "We're going to come out of this training course stronger, to serve our community and defend the common cause. It's a great way of preparing the next generation so that, tomorrow, we can take our place in civic and political life", she said.
This session in Bobo-Dioulasso is not an isolated one. It is part of a cycle of three training sessions organized between August and September 2025 in the communes of Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou and Manga. In all, some 90 young female leaders will benefit from these sessions. In this way, the CBDF hopes not only to strengthen female leadership, but also to "create a new generation of players capable of driving real social and political change".

At the end of these two days of exchange and learning, "the hope is that participants will leave more confident, better equipped and determined to take concrete action in their respective localities. In short, to become true agents of change", said the trainer.

Source: lefaso.net/