48 hours from the celebration of the 166e International Women’s Day, we received Fatimata Ouattara / Yao, Vice-President of the Hauts-Bassins regional section of the 8-Mars Otherwise movement. In the interview she gave us, she explains for and how her movement wants to celebrate this Day differently, differently from the usual clichés of djandjoba and other festivities.
We are in the month of women, two days from March 8, International Women’s Day. How do you plan to celebrate this March 8, 2023?
This March 8 otherwise takes place in a context of war. And we have initiated a flagship activity: fundraising to support the war effort.
How long does this fundraiser last?
This fundraiser started on February 23 and ends on March 09, 2023.
We cannot therefore speak of a balance sheet for the moment. But, does it promise?
Yes ! Because we have made spots that are broadcast on radio stations, in particular Radio Bobo, in four languages, namely: French, Fulfulde, Moré and Dioula. And we made posters that we put up in crowded places like supermarkets, in front of pharmacies… We also made flyers that we distributed to each other as well as to associations, so that people could join this action.
Concretely, how is the collection done?
This fundraising is done through an Orange Money account under the control of Me Rosine Zongo/Bogoré, Bailiff. The account is 74 78 21 21. The entire collection will be donated officially and publicly to the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP). We invite everyone to support us in this initiative, to contribute even 100 FCFA, 300 FCFA, 1000 FCFA, each according to their means; so that we can help our VDP and our FDS.
Apart from fundraising, the flagship activity, do you have other activities within the framework of March 8 in this month of women?
This month has been devoted mainly to this activity. But in the appendix, we have other activities that take place in Ouagadougou.
Which ones for example?
There was the delivery of donations to internally displaced persons on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February of this month of March. There was the delivery of food, clothing that associations have offered.
How do you mobilize these donations that you make?
There are people of goodwill who come directly to give us clothes, rice, etc. and others, through certain associations, come to give what they have.
We see that in this difficult period, you pay a lot of attention to IDPs who are victims of terrorism. But there are other female victims, the widows of the FDS and VDP fallen on the front. Do you have initiatives for their benefit?
Yes ! Indeed, we also think of these women. Income-generating activities have been organized for women so that they can take charge of themselves. We have trained more than 2000 women in making liquid soap, bleach, vinegar, etc. So that they can fend for themselves and have enough to meet their needs.
In addition to that, we do many other things, including the education of women and girls, their awareness around their development. We can’t quote everything here, but we really work for the development of women in general. This is to say that the 8-Mars otherwise movement is working to find ways and means to bring women back to the original meaning of International Women’s Day. Which must be a day of reflection and advocacy on the status of women.
How long has your movement existed?
The 8-Mars otherwise movement was created at least two years ago and is officially recognized by receipt. And we work hand in hand with the Ministry for the Advancement of Women.
In Bobo-Dioulasso, where is your head office located?
In Bobo, we do not yet have a seat. We hold our meetings with President Rosalie Ouoba, in sector 05.
Interview conducted by
Aly Konate
