Ioba: The commune of Niego, located in the Ioba province, marked the 169th International Women's Day on March 8, 2026, with a vibrant celebration that included speeches and a weaving demonstration by girls from the local women's center. The event focused on the theme: "Building lasting peace in Burkina Faso: What contribution can women and girls make to promoting social cohesion?"

According to Burkina Information Agency, the commemoration gathered several delegations from neighboring communes, including Dissihn, Zambo, Gueguere, Oronkua, Koper, Ouessa, and Dano. The centerpiece of the celebration was a weaving demonstration by girls from the Niego women's center. This demonstration not only showcased their skills but also highlighted efforts to empower women within the community. During the event, the traditional chief of Niego extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegations and offered blessings for the success of the activities.

Marceline Hien nee Somda, the coordinator for women in Niego, underscored the significance of this year's theme. She encouraged women to become more involved in raising awareness about their rights, conflict prevention and management, economic empowerment, and community resilience. Hien highlighted that several concrete actions have been undertaken to benefit the women of the commune, including the funding of fourteen women's cooperatives with assistance from the PAFA-4R project.

The patron of the event, Edwige Some, addressed the current situation of women in the Niego commune. She appealed to administrative authorities, traditional and religious leaders, as well as young people and men, to provide greater support and recognition for initiatives led by women and girls. Some emphasized the critical role of women, as the foundation of families and society, in committing to social cohesion and fostering lasting peace in Burkina Faso.