Sini gna sigi Association Empowers Women in Burkina Faso
June 19, 2023 – In a bid to promote the economic empowerment of women, the Sini gna sigi association was established in 2019 by Abdoulaye Ouattara, a retired INERA agent. Composed of 24 members, the association is located in sector 26 of Bobo-Dioulasso.
Recognizing the central role of women in socio-economic and family stability, Ouattara formed the association to empower women and provide them with opportunities for financial independence. The main focus of the association is the production of local loincloths, known as Faso Danfani, which allows its members to earn and manage their own income.
Ouattara, who had previously worked with women’s associations during his time at INERA, noticed the financial difficulties faced by many women. This inspired him to bring them together and provide training in agriculture. The association also engages in other activities such as the transformation of cassava into attiéké and the production of soap.
Sita Ouattara, the Secretary General of the association, emphasizes the importance of unity among women. She believes that by supporting each other and sharing ideas, all families can thrive. Zalissa Konfé, the head of the weavers, explains that they purchase cotton threads for weaving and dye them according to the desired color. However, the association faces challenges due to the rising prices of materials such as black dye and yarn.
Despite these difficulties, the association has been successful in selling their loincloths. They offer them at a wholesale price of 6000 FCFA and a retail price of 7000 FCFA. President Awa Ouédraogo reveals that the association also provides training to individuals who are not members. These trainees pay a fee of 10,000 FCFA and have the potential to earn 500 FCFA per loincloth if they gain sufficient expertise. The training program lasts for a maximum of six months.
In addition to loincloth production, the association is involved in the processing of cassava into attiéké. Sita Ouattara, the attiéké production manager, explains the process, which involves peeling, washing, crushing, pressing, and steaming the cassava. The association receives orders for attiéké in various quantities and prices, ranging from 200 FCFA to 2000 FCFA.
Looking ahead, the members of the Sini gna sigi association aspire to further develop their organization. They aim to excel not only in loincloth production and attiéké processing but also in agriculture, breeding, and saponification.
The Sini gna sigi association is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment and the positive impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. Through their dedication and hard work, these women are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for themselves and others.
By Norrockom Edwige KAM and Yéli Valentine KAM, Interns
2) Why is the diversification of income sources, including the production of soap, important for empowering women in Burkina Faso and promoting their economic independence
Of soap, which further enhances the income opportunities for its members.
The Sini gna sigi association’s approach to empowering women in Burkina Faso is multi-faceted. By focusing on the production of Faso Danfani loincloths, the association not only helps women generate income but also preserves and promotes local cultural traditions. The production of loincloths requires skills in weaving and dyeing, and the association provides training and support to its members in acquiring these skills.
In addition to the textile industry, the association also recognizes the importance of agriculture in rural communities. Through training in agriculture, the Sini gna sigi association equips women with the knowledge and skills to cultivate crops. This allows them to contribute to food security, improve their livelihoods, and have greater control over their economic resources.
Furthermore, the association’s engagement in the transformation of cassava into attiéké and the production of soap not only diversifies the income sources for its members but also adds value to local agricultural produce. These activities contribute to the economic growth of the community and create opportunities for women to participate in the market economy.
Overall, the Sini gna sigi association plays a crucial role in empowering women in Burkina Faso by providing them with opportunities for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Through its focus on both traditional crafts and agricultural activities, the association not only addresses the issue of poverty but also promotes cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Great initiative! Sini gna sigi’s focus on economic empowerment through Faso Danfani and attiéké will greatly support women in Bobo to become financially independent. Empowering women economically is key to overall societal progress. Kudos to Sini gna sigi for this important work!
This article sheds light on the impactful initiative of Sini gna sigi, empowering women in Bobo through Faso Danfani and attiéké. Kudos to their efforts in promoting economic empowerment and creating opportunities for women to flourish in their communities.