OUAGADOUGOU – The Go PAGA Foundation has launched a training program aimed at empowering 250 women from the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and civilians affected by conflict. The program, which will cover pastry making, sewing, hairdressing, and soap production, will take place across four cities: Ouagadougou, Kaya, Koudougou, and Fada N’Gourma.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative is designed to promote the socio-economic independence of women in vulnerable situations. The third cohort of trainees includes women from the FDS, as well as orphans and street children. The foundation also received financial backing from a local bank, which presented 100 school scholarships to women participating in hairdressing and sewing courses.

Training in pastry making and soap production is scheduled to begin on September 16, 2024, and will last one month. Sewing and hairdressing courses will begin at the end of September and will run for nine months, concluding with an examination for the Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP). Kambou emphasized the need for all stakeholders to support the visibility of women’s productions to ensure long-term success.

Palamanga Ouoba, the representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Action, praised the foundation’s efforts, stating that the program demonstrates the importance of solidarity in empowering those in need. The ministry has pledged continued support for the foundation’s initiatives through its decentralized structures.