WONA: In a concerted effort to combat breast and cervical cancer, the union of women from the Mana mine organized a series of awareness-raising and screening activities in Wona, as part of the ‘Pink October’ month dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The initiative kicked off on October 24, 2024, with a ‘pink march’ that saw participation from local residents and mine workers.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the union of women at the Mana mine has reaffirmed its dedication to maternal health by organizing activities for the third consecutive year as part of their annual ‘Pink October’ program. This year’s activities commenced with a “pink march,” where men from the mine and nearby villages joined the women, showcasing solidarity in the fight against gynecological cancers.
The marchers proceeded from the mine’s entrance gatehouse through the main streets of Wona, concluding at the market area. Along the route, they disseminated messages advocating for cancer screening and eradication effort
s within the local community. At the market square, the Farafina Yelé troupe hosted a forum theater performance that highlighted effective practices in combating breast and cervical cancer, engaging the audience in an interactive dialogue.
Zara Ouédraogo, the president of the union, emphasized that ‘Pink October’ serves as a crucial platform for their association to rally against women’s cancer. She encouraged women and girls to take advantage of free screenings available at designated health centers and the site clinic. Ouédraogo also called for the support of men and community leaders to help dismantle the stigma surrounding screening sessions, while expressing gratitude to local authorities and mine managers for their support.
Abdoul Karim, representing the general manager, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance community well-being, underscoring their backing of the women’s battle against cancer. Nafissatou Diallo, the vice-president of the special delegation of Bana
and coordinator of women’s associations, also praised the initiative, urging women to partake in screenings to safeguard their health against the prevalent threat of cervical cancer.
The campaign underscored the potential success in the fight against cancer through collaborative and participatory efforts, encapsulated in their slogan “together it is possible,” which resonated throughout the events. The three-day program by the Mana Mine Women’s Union includes a public conference on gynecological cancers, an aerobics session, and a celebratory evening.
Source: Burkina Information Agency