Gender stereotypes are beliefs firmly rooted in communities that certain aptitudes or personality traits are specific to boys on the one hand and girls on the other, and that they are present from birth. In Burkina Faso, and particularly in rural areas, gender stereotypes are legion and generally to the disadvantage of women. In the province of Sissili, many gender stereotypes condemn girls to domestic tasks. They are therefore a serious obstacle to achieving true equity between women and men. Hence the importance of the theme "Breaking down gender stereotypes and releasing the unlimited potential of girls", chosen by the Association pour la Promotion de l'Education et l'Autonomisation de la Femme (APEFAF) as part of its activities to mark International Girls' Rights Day. The conference, held at the Lycée privé Espoir de Léo, was led by Mamou SANOU, head of the SCOLFILLE project (Fondation L'Occitane is a financial partner in the project) run by Action Education.
Using a dynamic teaching approach, she got the girls to take an active part in leading the discussions. Using definitions of gender stereotypes, concrete examples, origins, etc., she played the role of facilitator, inviting the girls to speak. "Girls are made to get married and have lots of children", "housework is for girls", "washing up, laundry and cooking are for girls", these are just a few examples of stereotypes listed by the girls. Where do they come from? Where are they inscribed? "Nowhere", says the lecturer, SANOU. They are characteristics that society attributes to women or men without any scientific or rational basis.
For the Secretary of APEFAF, Mrs ZIBA née BATIONO Assita, primary school inspector, "we are asking teachers to treat girls and boys equally. Prejudices and examples in class that are unfavourable to girls must be avoided. What boys do, girls should be encouraged to do. There are no streams or series for boys and others for girls".
For the secondary school girls, the theme developed is very interesting and above all of direct concern to them. For Kagao DAHOUROU in her final year at the Lycée privé Espoir, her mother is unfortunately convinced of the truth of gender stereotypes. For Kagao, "both sexes must be given the same opportunities". As for Assita Guira, she drew a valuable lesson from the conference: "Girls belong at school. Girls should not be given in marriage before the age of 18". What's more, she's now convinced that "continuing my studies will prepare me for the future".
Kagao DAHOUROU in Year 12
Over 300 girls from the Lycée Privé Espoir attended the conference
The SCOLFILLE project leader, conference moderator
