Dori: The Regional Coordination of Women's Organizations (CROF) of the Sahel organized a community forum in Dori on Tuesday focused on promoting peace and living together through joking kinship, a traditional practice recognized as a powerful lever of tolerance and fraternity between communities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Secretary General of the CROF of the Sahel, Halima Guir©/Lompo, stated that this meeting is part of the commemorative activities for International Women's Day. It aims to strengthen social cohesion and encourage women to play their full role in peacebuilding, as primary educators and pillars of family stability.
Ms. Guir©/Lompo indicated that the forum provided a space for listening and sharing experiences among women from various communities in the region. The forum was marked by a presentation on the theme: "Building lasting peace in Burkina Faso: what contribution can women and girls make to promoting living together?". The discussions highlighted the central role of women and girls in conflict prevention and the transmission of values of solidarity.
Participants emphasized that joking relationships remain a social mechanism capable of defusing tensions and strengthening community ties. Following the discussions, the women were invited to reintroduce and promote joking relationships in family education. They were urged to teach this practice to children from a young age, as a tool for mutual respect, peaceful conflict management and promoting living together.
Participants also expressed the wish that women, through their associations and groups, would contribute to better regulating the use of joking relationships so that they do not become a source of abuse, humiliation or discrimination. They stressed that this practice must remain based on kindness, moderation and respect for human dignity.
The forum was sponsored by the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, represented by MP Hama Ly, and chaired by the Governor of the Liptako region, Abdoul Karim Zongo. On this occasion, the women also showcased local products and dishes, reflecting their commitment to peace and the promotion of local resources.