Koudougou: The city of the red rider and land of hospitality, Koudougou, was the epicenter of a significant national recognition with the official launch of the very first Rural Women's Fair (SAFER) in Burkina Faso, this October 15, 2025.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, themed "Rural Women, Climate Change, Land Security and Food Security," spans three days, coinciding with the International Day of Rural Women, World Food Day, and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The opening ceremony attracted many high-ranking figures, including the Minister Delegate to the Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARAH), Amadou Dicko, the Minister of State sponsoring the event, and the Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Commander Passawende Pelagie Kabre/Kabore, along with the Governor of the Nando region, Adama Yves Bere.
SAFER General Coordinator Ms. Zoundi Mariam Camara expressed the honor of welcoming rural women from Burkina Faso's 17 regions. She described SAFER as a national platform for the enhancement, empowerment, and promotion of women who bear the future of communities and the nation. The event serves as a platform for expression and sharing, showcasing their expertise and highlighting the link between women, the earth, and life.
Mr. Amedee Pare, president of the special delegation of Koudougou, emphasized the symbolic nature of choosing Koudougou, a land of work, unity, and innovation, as the host city. The Minister Delegate for Animal Resources officially opened the fair, honoring the contributions of rural women to national food production and development, aligning with the government's Agro-pastoral and Fisheries Offensive.
The event underscored the creative force and genius of rural women, portraying them as active agents of change. Mr. Mathieu Ouedraogo of Medecins du Monde highlighted the importance of health empowerment for economic empowerment, advocating for partnership-driven change. Artistic patron Mr. Koudbi Koala emphasized the resilience of women against climate change challenges and vowed to use culture to amplify their voices and rights.
The fair, supported by organizations like the Confederation paysanne du Faso and the Federation nationale des femmes rurales du Burkina, along with technical and financial partners including the Canadian Embassy and Medecins du Monde, marks a pivotal step towards recognizing and empowering key players in national food sovereignty.
Concluding the opening ceremony, a tour of women's production exhibition stands and a tasting of local juices and sweets was held, setting the tone for SAFER 2025 as a beacon of inspiration, opportunity, and unity for Burkina Faso's future.