Recent Initiatives Empowering Women in Mali

Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, has one of the world’s fastest growing populations. The country houses more than nine million women, yet the state of women’s health remains a critical issue. Women in Mali face significant challenges. A lack of awareness and respect for human rights, especially for women and children, continues to drive disparities in education, governance, economic independence, and security. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranks Mali in a low human development category, placing it 186th out of 191 countries and territories globally.

Gender-based violence and female genital mutilation persist as major issues for women in Mali, further undermining women’s health and well-being. Legal avenues for justice are often inaccessible to women due to social pressures and a lack of awareness of their rights. Moreover, Mali’s political landscape has become very unstable in recent years, leading to a humanitarian crisis and the displacement of more than 470,000 people in the country.

Initiatives

Amidst the challenges that women in Mali face, initiatives led by organizations like the United Nations (U.N.) Women offer the nation hope for progress. Furthermore, this initiative collaborates with the government, civil society and local communities to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through various programs. U.N. Women addresses critical areas affecting women’s health and rights and works to alleviate them.

Norms, policies and standards are targeted for reform by U.N. Women. Governance initiatives focus on increasing the participation of women in politics and advocating for gender-responsive planning and budgeting. Economic empowerment programs prioritize entrepreneurship to empower women to secure livelihoods and combat poverty.

Days for Girls Enterprise

Another important initiative empowering women in Mali is called the Days for Girls Enterprise, launched by the Ouelessebougou Alliance. This initiative is making significant strides by addressing a critical aspect of women’s health: menstrual hygiene management. In November 2017, the Alliance launched the first-ever enterprise in Mali, aiming to provide sustainable solutions for the lack of feminine hygiene products and education in the country.

Furthermore, by providing sustainable feminine hygiene solutions and comprehensive health education, Days for Girls Enterprise is actively contributing to the empowerment of women in Mali. Women are not only gaining economic opportunities for work but are also using their education to serve as change agents within their communities. This initiative is driving positive social change and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience

The MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience (MIHR) initiative is actively empowering women in Mali by focusing on family planning, reproductive health services and the health of mothers, newborns and children. By enhancing health and community systems and encouraging evidence-based decision-making, MOMENTUM is creating a significant impact, not just in Mali but worldwide.

Within the first one to three years in Mali, the initiative has achieved measurable results, with 250 health care providers participating in MIHR-supported training and 66 health facilities enhancing their health information systems. This initiative has not only increased awareness of women’s health in Mali but also sparked crucial conversations on the topic.

Looking Forward

As Mali grapples with the many challenges affecting women’s health, initiatives like U.N. Women, Days for Girls Enterprise and MIHR demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women in Mali. By targeting critical areas such as governance, economic empowerment and reproductive health, these initiatives are laying the foundation for transformative change. As the progress sparked by these initiatives continues to grow, it promotes a brighter future for women in Mali, one where women are given opportunities for success, safety and prosperity.

– Katherine Barrows
Photo: Pixabay