The physical and mental scars associated with genital mutilation can affect women their entire lives. The practice causes severe damage to the vagina, bladder, urethra, and intestine, resulting in a permanent genital fistula.
For many years courageous people in Burkina Faso have worked to make sure that young girls can grow up in a safe environment. Thanks to the legal decree in 1996, which criminalized genital mutilation, SAIDA is able to seek out similar types of initiatives and support them. Since 2011 we have worked with the Gomboro community, a region in northern Burkina Faso, to make sure that these girls are protected effectively.
Despite the legal compulsory education in Burkina Faso, many children are not enrolled in school because their families do not have enough money. Furthermore, there are not enough buildings, space or supplies for every child. Therefore, the girls are usually deprived of the opportunity to get an education. In most cases the girls stay home and take care of the household, fieldwork, and younger siblings. This increases the probability of forced marriages and early pregnancies.
In January 2014, the Jugendjury of GenialSozial awarded our project first place and at the end of April 2015 we had a funding agreement with the Saxon Youth Foundation for over 68,800 Euros. This money will go towards constructing a school building and maternity ward. We received the first installment in May so the construction work for the new elementary school in Gomboro could start.
Before we are able to strengthen the position of women in the Gomboro community we must first improve their economic autonomy. We have begun to help women reduce structural inequality by providing literacy classes and organizing craft courses.
We recently launched a health care program for children to give vulnerable access to medical care. Now 1,079 elementary school children benefit from the children's health insurance. With our new health insurance, parents pay a small co-payment while SAIDA takes care of the rest. Now families can regularly bring their child to the local health station without fear of the cost.
We are committed to supporting women and children’s rights in developing countries. Our work focuses on education for young girls, stopping genital mutilation and early marriages, empowering women, and improving reproductive health.
