Le Havre du Bon Pasteur in Bobo-Dioulasso offers refuge and support to vulnerable young women
via Lefaso.net7 min read
Le Havre du Bon Pasteur, a center in Bobo-Dioulasso, provides a sanctuary for young women facing extreme vulnerability, including victims of violence, forced marriages, and unwanted pregnancies. Established in February 2012 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, the center aims to help these women regain their dignity and rebuild their lives. Aïda, a young student, shared her story of being raped after her baccalaureate, leading to an unwanted pregnancy. She found support and a path to continue her studies at the center, aspiring to become an electronics engineer. The center, led by Sister Yvonne Clémence Bambara, offers comprehensive support, including psychological counseling, medical care with partners like Médecins Sans Frontières, spiritual guidance, and educational or vocational training. Social worker Aïcha Traoré and Sister Christine Oubda work daily to provide a nurturing environment, helping residents overcome emotional trauma and achieve autonomy. Since its opening, Le Havre du Bon Pasteur has assisted 181 young women, despite having an official capacity of 15. The center often exceeds its capacity to accommodate urgent cases, highlighting the significant need in the Guiriko region, where it is the only facility of its kind. The sisters emphasize the importance of societal change to prevent victim blaming and ensure young girls have choices for their future. They also prioritize family mediation but will involve police and social services when
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The football federations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have submitted a joint declaration of interest to co-host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations CAN. This announcement was made by the Nigerien Football Federation FENIFOOT in a statement dated July 20, 2026. The declaration of interest aligns with Article 7.3 of the Confederation of African Football CAF bid regulations, officially initiating their participation in the bidding process. A working meeting took place in New York on July 18, 2026, between CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the presidents of the football federations from the three nations. During this meeting, the CAF President acknowledged the shared ambition of the three states to jointly organize the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. The federations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger plan to continue their collaboration to prepare the full bid dossier.
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