We are excited to announce the launch of a 3-month bootcamp as part of our ongoing Socio-Economic Empowerment Project for Women and Young Girls in Burkina Faso. Starting this December 2024, this intensive bootcamp aims to provide women and young girls with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities’ economic development.
Context and Objectives
Recent analysis of gender statistics in Burkina Faso reveals a stark disparity in workforce participation between men and women. The activity rate is 36.5% for women compared to 82.5% for men. In urban areas, only 26.8% of women are active versus 65.6% of men, while in rural areas, the figures are 38.6% for women and 86.5% for men. This low participation is often due to women being limited to activities with low time budgets, preventing them from investing in more profitable and better-paid production activities.
With 67% of Burkina Faso’s population under 25, the issues of unemployment and underemployment among young people are critical. The lack of professional opportunities poses a significant risk to the country’s political and economic stability. Our program, developed and implemented since 2019, aims to support Burkina Faso’s efforts in fighting poverty by contributing to the socio-economic empowerment of women and young girls.
Strategy
The primary issue addressed by our program is the persistence of multidimensional poverty and gender disparities, leading to a low level of socio-economic empowerment among women. Our strategy involves:
- Developing profitable projects based on promising sectors across the entire value chain, implemented by women and young girls.
- Supporting women and young girls in developing sustainable and resilient economic activities through better access to productive resources, inclusive finance, and adequate know-how.
- Mobilizing technical, material, and financial resources to achieve the socio-economic inclusion of young girls and women.
Program Objectives
Our program aims to:
- Develop profitable projects led by women and young girls.
- Support sustainable and resilient economic activities for women through improved access to resources and finance.
- Mobilize resources to achieve socio-economic inclusion for young girls and women.
Project Activities
To achieve these objectives, we will implement several activities, including:
- Identifying, supporting, and building the capacity of our target group.
- Conducting studies and providing beneficiaries with adapted kits.
- Creating credit lines in targeted areas and integrated service and advisory support centers in targeted communes.
- Supporting the operationalization of the national socio-economic inclusion program for women and young girls.
What will you acquire from boot camp .
1. Financial Literacy: Teaching young women about budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning can help them make informed decisions about their finances and work towards financial independence.
2. Entrepreneurship Skills: Providing courses on business planning, marketing, and management can empower young women to start their own businesses and become self-reliant.
3. Health and Wellness: Offering workshops on nutrition, exercise, mental health, and reproductive health can help young women take control of their physical and emotional well-being.
4. Vocational Training: Providing training in skills such as sewing, cooking, computer literacy, or handicrafts can equip young women with marketable skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
5. Leadership and Empowerment: Conducting workshops on leadership, self-esteem, communication, and advocacy can help young women build confidence and assertiveness in various aspects of their lives.
6. Gender Equality Workshops: Conduct workshops and discussions on gender equality, women’s rights, and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for young women to share their experiences and challenges.
7. Self-Esteem Building Activities: Organize activities that focus on building self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness. Encourage young women to recognize their worth, strengths, and capabilities.
8. Mentorship Programs: Pair young women with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Mentors can help young women navigate challenges, set goals, and build self-confidence.
9. Leadership Opportunities: Offer leadership training and opportunities for young women to take on leadership roles within the community or organization. Empowering them to lead initiatives and make decisions can help boost their self-esteem and challenge traditional gender roles.
10. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Engage young women in advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about gender inequality and promote gender equality in the community. Encourage them to speak up, share their stories, and advocate for their rights.
Who can apply
- Looking for motivated and committed individuals
- Candidates with potential for impact and leadership
- Should be from marginalized backgrounds who need support
- Candidates willing to learn and embrace personal growth
- Candidates who engaged in community and social change efforts
Join Us
We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Your support through donations and volunteer work is crucial in helping us achieve our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for women and young girls in Burkina Faso.
DONATE | VOLUNTEER | Signup as Participant
For more information about the bootcamp and how you can get involved, please contact us at info@togetherforburkinafaso.org
Stay tuned for more updates and join us in empowering women and young girls in Burkina Faso!
Together for Burkina Faso – Empowering Women, Transforming Lives.
