PASSORÉ — The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina (AFEMIB) has facilitated the formalization of women's groups into cooperatives in Passoré, enhancing their capacity for financial empowerment through structured community engagement.

According to Burkina Information Agency, on September 18 and 19, 2024, constitutive general assemblies were held in the commune of Yako to establish the Renaissance cooperatives of Song-Naaba and Relwendé of Bouda. These assemblies, part of the 4th phase of the Support Project for Strengthening Land and Mine Management (PARGFM), were conducted by agricultural and livestock technicians who also focus on rural development.

Amado Maïga, head of the departmental service in charge of Agriculture, Animal, and Fisheries Resources in Yako, explained that the assemblies proceeded in two phases. The first involved the procedures for obtaining official recognition receipts, while the second validated lists of materials for warranting and small ruminant breeding. These activities were based on technical support and proposals from the firm What You Need, which collaborates with AFEMIB.

The sessions were designed to educate participants on the benefits and requirements of forming cooperatives, including necessary documentation such as meeting minutes, statutes, internal regulations, and member lists. Livestock technicians assisted in drafting these documents, which are essential for operational and administrative recognition.

During the assemblies, members voted to establish management committees and supervisory boards, discussed financial operations, and concluded with the validation of equipment lists for their cooperatives. This step, crucial for launching income-generating activities, was overseen by Yacouba Sawadogo from What You Need, ensuring that the equipment met the expressed needs of the beneficiaries.

Bintou Tenkodogo, a spokesperson for the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude towards AFEMIB and What You Need for their support, noting that the formalization into cooperatives would open up further financing opportunities for their activities. Djamila Kiéllo, representing AFEMIB, praised the strong mobilization and active participation of women in these assemblies and urged swift action in submitting necessary documents for receiving official receipts.

This initiative marks a significant move towards enhancing the economic capabilities of women and youth in Burkina Faso, aiming to provide them with the tools and structure necessary for sustainable financial growth.