Sissili: 25 women from the village of Tanlouka, in the commune of Boudry, completed a fifteen-day training course in weaving and dyeing on Wednesday. Initiated by the Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB), with the support of the Project to Support the Strengthening of Land and Mine Management (PARGFM), this training is part of AFEMIB's 2026 action plan.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the training aims to offer women living in the peripheral areas of artisanal mining sites sustainable economic alternatives through the acquisition of skills in weaving and dyeing. Three trainers shared their knowledge and expertise with the participants. One of the trainers, Dapoa Oublibiga/Lompo, mentioned that the beneficiaries were introduced to several modules, including weaving, dyeing on koko dunda, making robracks and liquid soap.
Dapoa Oublibiga/Lompo emphasized the empowerment aspect of the training, stating, "All of this is aimed at empowering women. We are convinced that weaving feeds her man." She encouraged the learners to continue the activity and to prioritize group work. Each of the 25 women received a loom and other materials enabling them to independently produce high-quality loincloths.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Chantal Korsaga expressed that the training enabled them to acquire practical knowledge in the manufacture of liquid soap, the processing and dyeing of yarns, and weaving. She added, "We are now able to make liquid soap, dye threads and create several koko dunda patterns. We have also learned how to stretch threads and weave," though she noted that the fifteen days were insufficient to master all the techniques.
PARGFM representative Korotimi Tiendr©b©ogo/Coulibaly expressed satisfaction with the activity's implementation and the participants' commitment. She encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the equipment and skills to improve their economic and financial conditions and assured ongoing support within project resources.
AFEMIB president Lucie Kabr©/Kabor© praised the participants' diligence and thanked household heads for their support. She announced future sessions focusing on financial education and cooperative creation. The closing ceremony, attended by the chief of Tanlouka and a delegation, highlighted the initiative's impact on addressing economic difficulties and reducing reliance on gold mining. The chief encouraged the practical application of the skills acquired for sustainable income generation.
The event also showcased the participants' work and reinforced stakeholder commitments to sustain the training's outcomes.