Successful Completion of Women’s Empowerment Project in refugee camps in Burkina Faso

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in close collaboration with the Government of Burkina Faso, held the official ceremony for the distribution of installation kits and working capital to 200 women beneficiaries as part of the project to empower women and internally displaced families in the Centre-North region of Burkina Faso. 

The event, held in Kaya, was marked by a strong turnout and high-level participation, including the presence of the Honourable Commander Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré, Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, who declared, “This initiative is a testament to our shared determination to transform the lives of displaced women and restore their dignity through sustainable livelihood opportunities.”

The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the first phase of the empowerment project, which began with extensive on-ground needs assessments and community engagement efforts.

In his address, Mr. Khalid Mahamat Malloum, OIC Representative and Focal Point from the OIC Regional Mission in Niger, highlighted the two-year journey leading to this milestone, emphasizing the project's roots in the OIC's commitment made during the 8th Ministerial Conference on Women, which was held in Cairo, Egypt in 2021. 

He stated, “We are not just distributing equipment; we are laying the foundation for a future of self-reliance and restored hope for the women of Kaya”. 

He indicated that this first phase would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF), whose contribution helped ensure the delivery of equipment and financial support tailored to the needs of displaced women.

In addition, he expressed on behalf of his Excellency the Secretary General OIC the OIC’s deep gratitude to the Government of Burkina Faso for its unwavering cooperation and support, which have been essential to the project’s success.

The event also recognized the tireless work of Mr. SANOU Lassina, the project’s focal point in Burkina Faso, whose coordination efforts bridged the collaboration between the OIC and national partners.

The OIC Representative informed the participant that OIC General Secretariat is Looking ahead to launch the second phase of the project, which will be supported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). 

The OIC reaffirms its steadfast commitment to empowering refugee and displaced women, children, and families in camps throughout Burkina Faso.