Yako:The Network for the Promotion and Empowerment of Rural Women (REPAFER Burkina) has organized a forum in Yako on October 27 and 28, 2026, aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for rural women and young girls in Passoré. This event was part of the 7th edition of the National Week of Rural Women (SENAFER).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the forum, themed "What strategies to build a rural economy model led by women, based on climate adaptation, technological intelligence, social cohesion and the promotion of peace?", gathered leaders from women's cooperatives, producers, processors, traders, and members of village savings and credit associations.
The discussions at the forum centered around agricultural policies, women's economic empowerment, and vocational training opportunities. Parfait Nanema, representing the Food System Resilience Program in Burkina Faso, detailed the agricultural policies in the communes of Arbollé, Gomponsom, and Yako. Additionally, Abdoulaye Ouédraogo from SEMUS discussed rural entrepreneurship and its impact on women's empowerment, while Dr. Bassolo Bassono introduced the vocational training programs offered by FOSER.
The forum also created a platform for business meetings between women's organizations and economic actors, and showcased development projects and programs. Concurrently, an exhibition fair of agro-sylvo-pastoral products was officially opened, featuring approximately 80 stands to promote cooperative products and cultivate new business opportunities.
Mamounata Ki/Ouédraogo, the executive director of REPAFER Burkina, highlighted challenges such as access to land, credit, and information faced by rural women. Saïdou Ouédraogo, the secretary general of Passoré province, commended the efforts of REPAFER Burkina and its partners, emphasizing the potential of training and exhibitions to enhance women's skills and economic activities.
In addition to the economic focus, REPAFER's peer education ambassadors engaged 100 young girls from Yako schools in discussions on sexual and reproductive health rights and environmental protection. Topics included menstrual hygiene, prevention of early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence, along with waste management and natural resource preservation.
The event concluded with a cross-country race and aerobics session, promoting social cohesion and community spirit among women, youth, authorities, and community members at the Yako youth center. Through these comprehensive activities, REPAFER Burkina aims to empower rural women economically and uphold the rights of young girls, contributing significantly to local development.
Source Burkina Information Agency