Ouagadougou: The Patriotic Movement Le Faso d'abord-Burkina Faso (MPFA-BF) organized a panel on Saturday in Ouagadougou focused on the theme, "Women, a structuring pillar of lasting peace in Burkina Faso: from symbolic recognition to the institutionalization of action mechanisms". This initiative aims to promote increased involvement of women in peace and governance processes.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the president of MPFA-BF, Hayouba Ouattara, emphasized the panel's purpose of raising awareness among Burkinabe women about their strategic roles beyond familial settings. He encouraged women to engage more actively in decision-making spheres and to embrace the responsibilities that accompany these roles. Ouattara noted the importance of mobilizing all vital forces, especially women, in a national context facing security and socio-economic challenges. He considers women as central actors in stability, resilience, and social cohesion.

Ouattara underscored the necessity of advancing beyond mere symbolic recognition of women's roles towards their effective integration into decision-making bodies. This includes establishing mechanisms for participation in peace processes and enhancing their economic empowerment. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Family and Solidarity for her dedication to social cohesion and acknowledged the strategic role of women. Additionally, he commended the Defense and Security Forces for their efforts in preserving territorial integrity and reaffirmed his movement's support for Burkinabe authorities in restoring state sovereignty and consolidating national independence.

Arouna Kabore, representing the president of the National Council of the Informal Economy, who sponsored the activity, highlighted women's significant contributions to the national economy, particularly in the informal sector, which constitutes over 80% of the productive fabric. He noted women's crucial roles in social cohesion, education, and conflict management within communities. Kabore advocated for establishing sustainable mechanisms to empower women, such as creating funds for women's entrepreneurship, facilitating access to microcredit, and providing training and market opportunities. He also emphasized the need for better integration of women into public policies through quotas and a rigorous monitoring and evaluation system to ensure tangible results.

The panel discussions were structured around four sub-themes: 'Women and sustainable peacebuilding', 'Women's leadership and inclusive governance', 'Women, social cohesion and community resilience', and 'Institutionalization of women's action mechanisms in public policies'.