Burkina faso: The Ministry of Family and Solidarity, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel), organized on Tuesday a panel discussion on models of centers for the care of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), with a view to improving the coordination and effectiveness of interventions. Presiding over the opening of the proceedings on behalf of the Minister of Family and Solidarity, Alphonsine Sawadogo, indicated that this meeting aims to capitalize on existing experiences in order to arrive at a harmonized national framework for the care of survivors of GBV.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the security and humanitarian context has greatly aggravated violence against women and girls, particularly in areas affected by forced population displacements. Mass displacement, overcrowding in reception sites, and the weakening of traditional protection mechanisms expose vulnerable people to greater violence, explained Ms. Sawadogo.
Ms. Sawadogo noted that in 2025, Burkina Faso recorded 9,962 cases of gender-based violence, of which 8,723 concerned women and girls, compared to 1,239 cases involving men and boys. She specified that sexual violence, forced marriages, physical assaults, and domestic violence are among the most recurring forms recorded by the relevant services.
To address this situation, several specialized centers have been established by the State and its partners. These include the Baskuy Center in Ouagadougou, the Kaya Center, the Mother-Child Center in Tenkodogo, and the DelwendE Center in Sakoula. According to the project manager, these structures provide so-called holistic care for survivors, through medical, psychosocial, legal, and socio-economic support.
According to data presented during the panel, the Baskuy Centre took care of 774 survivors in 2025, while the Kaya Centre took care of 210, and the Tenkodogo Mother-Child Centre, 33. Despite the progress made, several challenges remain, including insufficient financial resources, lack of coordination between stakeholders, and the need for a harmonized operating framework.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Burkina Faso, Erwin De Wandel, praised the efforts undertaken by the Burkinabe authorities in support of survivors of gender-based violence. He advocated for a multi-sectoral response involving the health, justice, security, and social action sectors, in order to ensure better protection for victims.
Dr. Nestorine SangarE, Executive Director of the Research and Intervention Centre for Gender and Development, traced the historical evolution of reception centres in Burkina Faso. She recalled that in their early days, these structures were commonly called "refuges" before gradually evolving into integrated care centers. Dr. Nestorine SangarE recommended the establishment of an intersectoral technical committee tasked with developing a harmonized national framework and mobilizing the resources necessary for its sustainable operation. "Every survivor who dares to break the silence deserves to be heard, protected, and supported," she said.