Sissili: The Association for the Integral Development of Women (ADIF-Zime Osnie) concluded the inaugural edition of the Nimaru Festival in Leo, emphasizing the significance of rural women's contributions to development. This three-day event, held under the patronage of Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries, Commander Ismael Sombie, revolved around the theme: "Rural women and food sovereignty: building community resilience through agriculture, livestock farming and civic engagement."
According to Burkina Information Agency, the festival opened with a women's cycling race and featured speeches advocating for women's empowerment. Ms. Alida, a guest of honor, highlighted the crucial role of rural women, stating, "Every day, these women build the invisible foundation of our nation. Investing in rural women boosts all areas of development." Ms. Salia, speaking on behalf of her absent co-sponsor, underscored the challenges faced by rural women, noting the lack of land ownership despite their contributions to agriculture.
Audrey Bationon, coordinator of ADIF-Zime Osnie, provided an overview of the association's four-year history, emphasizing the need for increased support for women, who she described as the true drivers of development. High Commissioner Tewende Isaac Sia conveyed Minister Sombie's message, reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting women as an essential pillar of Burkinabe society.
The festival also included an exhibition of non-timber forest products processed by Sissili women, and an artistic evening featuring the singer Idak Bassave. Activities commenced on October 16 with a cross-country race and awareness sessions on women's cancers and leadership, culminating in training sessions on entrepreneurship, saponification, and digital marketing.
In conjunction with the festival, ADIF, alongside the National Blood Transfusion Center, organized a blood drive and facilitated cancer screenings for women through a mobile clinic. As a reminder, ADIF-Zime Osnie consists of over 400 rural women from Sissili province, organized into 15 cooperatives capable of mobilizing significant financial resources annually, as noted by coordinator Audrey.
The association's president, Mavalow Christelle Kalhoule, expressed satisfaction with the festival's outcome, following the closing ceremony and partners' night.