Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY REPORT April 11-24, 2020

Women United for a Better Living is a key initiative that aims to promote social cohesion and mutual acceptance among women from various ethnic and religious groups in the Nord region. BFRP worked with local authorities to assemble 44 women representatives from different women's associations and village councils to discuss the difficulties they encounter and identify activities to strengthen social cohesion in their communities. These women leaders engaged in an open and accepting climate from April 20 to 23, discussing potential sources of conflict, ways to strengthen social cohesion, and how to fight against violent extremism. Proposed activities included conducting peer discussions in neighborhoods and organizing women's cooperatives to promote income-generating activities. The women's meeting was a valuable opportunity for them to share their perspectives and develop tangible actions for the wellbeing of their families. One participant noted that the meeting brought light to their efforts and empowered them to initiate actions for the benefit of their families. The initiative highlights the importance of women's roles in finding lasting solutions to community tensions. Women's participation in promoting social cohesion can help mitigate the impact of violent extremism and promote stability in the region. Communication Key to Conflict Management is another key initiative implemented by BFRP. Elected officials in the Nord region have faced significant challenges in responding to the conflict and staying engaged on local issues. Many elected officials have fled the region due to fear of being targeted by extremist elements, leaving behind limited tools and knowledge on how to manage conflicts. BFRP worked with a local NGO to organize training sessions for 65 local leaders, focusing on non-violent conflict management, conflict-sensitive communication techniques, and conflict prevention. The training aimed to restore trust between elected officials and their constituents and highlight the important role they play in managing conflicts. The training sessions allowed participants to share their experiences and learn best practices to mitigate tensions related to the mismanagement of public affairs, which is often used by violent extremist organizations (VEO) to gain footholds in communities. By strengthening local elected officials' efforts at managing conflicts, BFRP aims to promote stability and reduce the influence of VEO in the region. The initiative demonstrates the importance of effective communication and conflict management in promoting social cohesion and stability in the Nord region. The Burkina Faso Regional Program's initiatives aim to address the root causes of conflict and promote stability in the Nord, Sahel, and Est regions. By empowering women and strengthening local elected officials' capacities, BFRP seeks to create a more stable and secure environment for communities to thrive. The program's focus on social cohesion, conflict management, and communication highlights the importance of addressing the complex challenges facing the region. By promoting a more inclusive and participatory approach to conflict management, BFRP aims to reduce the influence of violent extremist organizations and promote lasting stability in the region.