Burkina Faso Regional Program BI-WEEKLY Report July 18-31, 2020

Strategic communities in these regions are targeted to promote stability and security. Increased feelings of security in the Sahel region have been achieved through the installation of solar-powered lights and public benches. In a town, 100 solar-powered lights and 200 public benches were installed in popular public areas. This initiative was a collaborative effort between BFRP and local authorities. Residents experienced relief and newfound confidence as the lights offered space for interaction by night and allowed for increased economic activity. Under the solar lamps, a woman began her small business selling food items, and a young entrepreneur set up a chicken grilling stand. Final year students also used the solar lights to prepare for their exams during the evening hours. Local authorities and the local population provided strong support throughout the installation process, convinced that having lights would drive extremist groups away. Income-generating activities support resilient women in the Est region. Extremist attacks and inter-ethnic conflicts have resulted in the displacement of thousands of mostly young people and women in the Est region. This displacement has disrupted livelihoods as income-generating opportunities are harder to pursue. To respond to the lack of viable economic opportunities due to increased insecurity in the region, BFRP partnered with a local association and organized a training on shea butter production, soap making, and CVE awareness. In collaboration with local officials, 60 vulnerable women, including those who are internally displaced, were selected for this training. The training was split into three sessions of 20 participants each, considering COVID-19 pandemic protective measures. Participants learned soapmaking techniques using local resources and were shown how to market those products in an environment impacted by violent extremism. The income-generation training was followed by a two-day CVE-focused session to improve participants' understanding of VEO strategies and highlight how they, as social and economic actors, could respond to the effects of violence and insecurity. Community cohesion and stability in the Est region have been promoted through women's contributions. The high number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region, comprising mostly women and youth, has resulted in a lack of trust, suspicion, and rejection by host communities. Internally displaced women faced open stigmatization in public settings, such as markets and water distribution points. BFRP aimed to respond to this increased feeling of stigmatization by fostering mutual acceptance, particularly among women. Host and displaced women were invited to discuss topics such as access to water points, acceptance of displaced persons by host communities, and access by displaced women to markets. As a result of these discussions, displaced women felt more integrated into host communities, and several women have joined local women's associations and regularly participate in their meetings. This demonstrates the importance of women's leadership in resolving conflicts, especially those involving other women. The BFRP has implemented various initiatives to promote stability and security in the Est, Nord, and Sahel regions. These initiatives include the installation of solar-powered lights and public benches, income-generating activities for resilient women, and community cohesion and stability programs. The program's efforts have resulted in increased feelings of security, improved livelihoods, and enhanced community cohesion.