International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day on March 8 will be reimagined in Burkina Faso: instead of festive ceremonies and symbolic celebrations, the focus will be on concrete measures to empower women. The day is intended to provide more space for dialogue, mobilization, and practical initiatives that promote women’s rights and strengthen women’s participation in society in a sustainable way. This approach aligns closely with our work at Operndorf Afrika. For many years, we have been committed to empowering women and girls and creating opportunities for them to lead self-determined lives. Education, healthcare, role models, and cultural participation form the foundation of our work.
© Orson Sieverding
Education as the Key to Self-Determination
While on average only about 20 percent of girls in the country attend school, we deliberately focus on equal opportunities: at least half of the children enrolled in our programs are girls. Education is the key to self-determination and active participation in society. But education alone is not enough. In many families, the belief that women cannot take on the same societal roles as men is still widespread. That is why we place a strong emphasis on female role models: whether through the teachers at our school, our Chef de Cuisine Denisé, or our resident female artists—strong women show girls and their families what is possible. Without all these women, Operndorf would not be what it is today: a place where women can actively shape their own future.
© Laura Bayala
Art and Culture as Spaces for Participation
Art and culture also play an important role in our work to empower women. Within the framework of our artist-in-residence program, several projects were developed last year that created spaces for women to connect and express themselves creatively. Reading sessions and discussion circles provide women with safe opportunities to share personal experiences, discuss social issues, and explore solutions together. Our library has also developed its own collection of feminist literature by African women writers. Moreover, we view our extracurricular programs as awareness-raising initiatives: topics such as gender equality are, for example, artistically explored and collectively reflected upon in children’s theater performances.
© Laura Bayala
Our work shows that strengthening women’s rights requires a holistic approach. When women have access to education, understand their rights, and can develop their skills, entire communities benefit. Women not only shape their own futures—they also influence the futures of their families and their country. We will continue on this path: for greater equality, broader participation, and a future in which girls and women naturally take their rightful place.
(Feature image: Orson Sieverding)