The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB) held a workshop from September 18 to 19, 2024 in Bagassi to formalize the SANOUSSAN and YIBANSAN associations of Bagassi into cooperatives and to validate the technical specifications of the beneficiaries' equipment. This activity is part of the implementation of the project called: "Capacity building of 500 women and young people from mining sites on income-generating activities".The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB) is continuing the process of socio-economic empowerment of women and young people in ten localities impacted by mining activities.After the diagnostic study phase which made it possible to identify the beneficiaries and the census of the economic potential of the localities then the training phase in entrepreneurship and financial education, AFEMIB proceeded to phase three of the project to strengthen the capacities of 500 women and young people from mining sites on income-generating act ivities.In this phase, AFEMIB is in the process of formalizing the associations benefiting from the project into cooperatives.According to the person in charge of organization and training, Rachelle YE, after two days of information and awareness-raising of the beneficiaries on the stages and advantages of formalization, the process of collecting and establishing administrative documents was possible to obtain a receipt of recognition.Thus, the association Sanoussan and Yibansan of Bagassi have started the process of formalization in cooperative status.The new cooperative SANOUSSAN will operate in gold extraction and the cooperative YIBANSAN in the processing of shea butter. The meeting also allowed the validation of the technical specifications of the equipment.For obtaining receipts and operationalizing the cooperatives, AFEEMIB is supported by local technical services for the environment and agriculture and animal resources and what you need.In the opinion of AFEMIB officials, the next step rem ains the acquisition of equipment and the installation of companies in order to begin activities in the coming months.AFEMIB and PARGFM place great hope in these cooperatives to impact community development while ensuring the empowerment of members.To do this, Ms. YE reminded the actors of the individual and collective responsibilities and the values ????necessary to promote among members.The cooperative is a mini business, it must make profits to distribute among the members each year, she said.To achieve this, you must promote understanding, solidarity, have goals to make profits, said Mrs. YE.Also, the AFEMIB training officer was pleased with the commitment of women and young people throughout the discussions, which demonstrates in her opinion their willingness to understand and succeed.The representatives of the beneficiaries also expressed their satisfaction and gratitude to AFEMIB and its partners. According to Mrs. Christine Siéza of the YIBANSAN cooperative, which has 27 women, the advice and encouragement of the trainers further galvanized them for their cooperative.Source: Burkina Information Agency