In a significant development for women's empowerment in Burkina Faso, 600 women from the 9 communes of the Grand Ouaga region have completed a training program in textile trades. The training, part of the Projet d'appui à la croissance économique urbaine et à la gouvernance métropolitaine du Grand Ouaga (PAGO), aims to equip women with skills to start their own businesses. The program's closing ceremony was held on September 29, 2026, in Ouagadougou.
The ceremony was presided over by Maurice Konaté, president of the Communauté des communes du Grand Ouaga. During the event, the beneficiaries received symbolic equipment, including sewing machines and threads, to support their activities. According to Konaté, 2,164 applications were received for the 600 available spots, highlighting the high demand for such initiatives. The program is designed to promote economic growth and improve governance in the region.
The training program is part of the "Appui au développement de l'artisanat féminin" component of PAGO, which focuses on supporting women's craft development. The initiative targets women from various communes, including Bingo, Komki-Ipala, Komsilga, Koubri, Loumbila, Pabré, Saaba, Sourgoubila, and Tanghin-Dassouri. A training center for textile trades has also been established to provide women with access to resources and expertise.
Representatives from the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, including Guétaouindé Livingstone Saba, who represented the minister, attended the ceremony. They expressed their appreciation for the initiative and encouraged the beneficiaries to apply their new skills to establish successful businesses. The European Union, a key partner in the PAGO project, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national development efforts.
Inga Stefanowicz, head of partnerships at the European Union in Burkina Faso, emphasized the institution's dedication to accompanying national efforts to promote development. The PAGO project has mobilized over 600 million francs CFA to implement the component focused on women's craft development. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and women's empowerment.
The project's impact is expected to be long-term, with the training center set to be inaugurated in the coming days. The center will provide women with access to resources, expertise, and equipment, enabling them to establish and grow their businesses. The PAGO project's focus on women's economic empowerment aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable development in the region.
The successful completion of the training program marks a significant milestone for the women of Grand Ouaga. With the support of partners like the European Union, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the region's economic development and women's empowerment. Key stakeholders have expressed their commitment to continuing support for such initiatives, which are crucial for promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- 600 women from Burkina Faso's Grand Ouaga region complete textile training under PAGO project
- Training program aims to equip women with skills to start their own businesses
- Initiative supported by European Union, with over 600 million francs CFA mobilized for implementation
