Burkina Faso has developed an educational tool for primary and secondary schools that covers socio-economic topics as well as sexual and reproductive health. Following its adoption in 2022, it is now to be integrated into school lessons. Although this initiative is a major step forward, the sluggishness of the implementation processes is forcing organisations such as PADESEC to start with the measures in pilot projects.
PADESEC, the local partner organisation of IAMANEH Switzerland, focuses on comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education for young people aged 9 to 18 and access to contraceptives. However, in order to ensure that young people can make self-determined decisions about sexuality, PADESEC's work takes an even more fundamental approach: working on the patriarchal understanding of the roles of men and women in society. Hierarchical gender relations lead to injustice, oppression and the sexual heteronomy of women.
The project area is located in the municipality of Kaya in the Centre-North region. The project works with around 8470 pupils at 16 schools, including two schools for children from refugee camps and 400 female pupils from a vocational school. The project also works with 80 pairs of parents who live an exemplary partnership and with 30 men and young people who work on their male roles and encourage those around them to reflect on them. Other target groups are the parents' associations of all schools, the teachers, four health centres and two youth centres, as well as authorities and community leaders and the entire population of the municipality of Kaya.
Partner organisation:
PADESEC (Partenariat et Actions pour le Développement Socio-Economique des Personnes Vulnérables de la Région du Centre-Nord)
Project phase: 1.1.2023 - 31.12.2025
