The 18th Salon international de l’artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) recently took place in Burkina Faso from October 30 to November 8, 2026. As part of the event, numerous women were tasked with ensuring the cleanliness of the toilets. One such worker, Vebamba Marcelline, has been participating in the cleaning efforts for four editions. Her day begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 11:00 PM, signaled by a whistle. Marcelline's work is crucial in maintaining the hygiene of the facilities.
Marcelline faces challenges in her role, including individuals who use the toilets without paying the required 50 F CFA. This not only affects her earnings but also those of her colleagues, as their remuneration is dependent on user contributions. In addition to her cleaning duties, Marcelline also sells shoes during the event. Her determination and hard work demonstrate the essential role that women play in keeping the SIAO running smoothly.
Nikiéma Rachida, another toilet cleaner, shares similar experiences. She is stationed on the east side of the site, an area that attracts many visitors due to its location. The high foot traffic results in increased demand for toilet facilities, making maintenance more demanding. Rachida notes that while there are toilets available on both the east and west sides of the site, visitors tend to congregate in certain areas.
Compaoré Sibidou is another woman responsible for toilet cleaning at the SIAO. Her day starts between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM, and her earnings are primarily based on the 50 F CFA paid by users. Her daily revenue can range from 4,000 to 6,000 F CFA, although it varies depending on the number of users who pay. Sibidou faces challenges such as visitors who refuse to pay or are unaware of the toilet locations.
Beyond toilet cleaning, the overall sanitation of the site involves other teams. Ouédraogo Koudpoukou has been part of a group of 19 people responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior spaces for 12 years. Her day begins at 3:00 AM with the washing of pavers and continues in the offices. She and her team also ensure the cleanliness of the premises during ceremonies.
Koudpoukou's team is remunerated by the companies that employ them on behalf of the SIAO. Their efforts contribute significantly to the overall cleanliness and organization of the event. The hard work and dedication of these women, including Marcelline, Rachida, and Sibidou, demonstrate the vital role they play in the success of the SIAO.
The involvement of women in maintaining the cleanliness of the SIAO highlights their essential contributions to the event's organization. Their efforts, often behind the scenes, ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. As the SIAO continues to grow and attract more visitors, the role of these women will remain crucial in maintaining the event's standards.
Key points
- Women play a vital role in maintaining toilet cleanliness at the SIAO 2026 in Burkina Faso.
- Toilet cleaners face challenges such as non-payment and high demand for facilities.
- The efforts of these women contribute significantly to the overall success and organization of the event.
