Koudougou: The Ministry of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity (MAHSN), in partnership with the Health Development Support Program (PADS) and with financial support from the World Bank, organized a training for journalists on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from December 1 to 3, 2025 in Koudougou. For three days, participants from different newsrooms were equipped with key concepts of gender, different types of violence and good journalistic practices for sensitive and responsible treatment of these topics.

According to Burkina Information Agency, in opening the proceedings, the regional director of humanitarian action and national solidarity in Nando, Mr. Roland Kielem, highlighted the alarming extent of gender-based violence in Burkina Faso. He indicated that between 2021 and 2023, more than 30,000 cases of gender-based violence were recorded by social services. This figure represents only a portion of the existing cases, as many survivors lack access to reporting mechanisms, according to Mr. Kielem. He stated that "behind these statistics are shattered lives, vulnerable women and girls, and entire communities affected."

In opening the training session, Mr. Kielem suggested to the participants that "you are essential intermediaries. Through your reports and analyses, you can contribute to deconstructing stereotypes, breaking silences and promoting a more just and egalitarian society."

The first presentation, led by Mr. Desire Tiendrebeogo, focused on the theme "Generalities and Gender-Based Violence." According to the expert, gender refers to socially constructed norms and roles, and not simply to the differentiation between men and women. He went on to explain the multiple forms of gender-based violence: physical, psychological, sexual, economic, cultural, and heritage-related violence.

Discussing the causes of gender-based violence, Mr. Tiendrebeogo emphasized the influence of patriarchal social norms, abuses of power, and persistent inequalities. According to him, the impacts affect not only individuals - trauma, health problems, school dropout - but also families and society as a whole. He finally recalled the main national and international texts protecting the rights of women and children, and urged journalists to take ownership of the mechanisms for denunciation, while respecting the ethics and professional standards of their profession.

The second presentation, led by journalist Tanga Kafando, focused on "Gender-Sensitive Journalists." Based on an analysis of media content, he demonstrated the underrepresentation of women in news reports, estimated at only 20% compared to 80% for men. He explained that this situation stems from social pressures, the reluctance of some women to speak publicly, and the need to obtain family permission in certain cases. He encouraged journalists to seek out alternative topics, to highlight women's initiatives, and to create an environment conducive to women speaking out.

At the end of the workshop, Mr. Roland Kielem commended the participants' commitment and urged them to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. "The fight against gender-based violence continues in your newsrooms, in your reporting, and in your editorial choices. You are now key players in this fight," he declared as he closed the training. Participants expressed their satisfaction and welcomed an initiative which they believe will enhance the quality of their journalistic output on human rights and gender equality.