Pâ schoolgirls advocate for emergency and reusable sanitary pads to improve menstrual hygiene and school attendance
via Lefaso.net3 min read
At the departmental high school in Pâ, 378 girls are facing significant challenges related to menstrual hygiene, leading many to miss school days. Carine Dabiré, speaking on behalf of her peers, highlighted that menstruation is a monthly source of anxiety for students. They are requesting functional water points near latrines, secure toilets with locks, an emergency stock of sanitary pads at the infirmary, and materials to make reusable protection. They emphasized that investing in menstrual hygiene is an investment in girls' education and future, asserting their desire to remain in class and succeed. The school's principal, Honorine Ilboudo, confirmed that students leave school due to inadequate facilities and that the school struggles to provide some pads. She also reported six school dropouts in the 2025-2026 academic year due to pregnancies, early marriages, and the influence of certain men in the area on young girls. The SWEDD+ project, involving ministries of health, secondary education, family and solidarity, and sports, youth and employment, is addressing these issues. Sylvie Valian Zoundi, female education advisor at the Ministry of Family and Solidarity, stressed the need to support out-of-school girls and dropouts, alongside in-school actions, by providing training for income-generating activities and daycare centers. Marie Véronique Ilboudo, gender promotion advisor, detailed a holistic approach to gender-based violence, covering health, psychological, legal, judi
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The UEMOA Court of Justice is conducting a training program for judicial students and chief clerks at the National School of Administration and Magistracy ENAM in Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of future magistrates and clerks in community law, familiarizing them with the functioning and procedures of the West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA. Joséphine Suzanna Ébah Touré, a judge at the UEMOA Court of Justice, representing the President of the Court, presided over the opening of the event. She emphasized that national judges are common law judges of UEMOA community law, making it crucial for national judicial actors to be trained in general and procedural community law. The training covers the institutional and legal framework of UEMOA, the Court's powers and procedural rules, and the preliminary ruling procedure. Salfo Ouédraogo, Secretary General of ENAM, highlighted the importance of harmonized and effective justice in line with community law requirements. Dr. Kalifa Bagué, First Advocate General of the UEMOA Court of Justice, noted that community law is integrated into Burkina Faso's legislative framework and stressed the need for its inclusion in judicial training curricula. He explained that the Court's mission is to disseminate community law, ensuring that future legal professionals are well-equipped to interpret and apply it effectively.
During his stay in Bobo-Dioulasso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, met with the military hierarchy of the 2nd region. Discussions focused on the security measures implemented for the National Culture Week, scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026. Lieutenant-Colonel Lassané Porgo, commander of the 2nd military region, stated that the audience allowed them to brief the President, who is the supreme commander of the national armed forces, on the security arrangements for the event. Lieutenant-Colonel Porgo also mentioned that they welcomed the President to their garrison and provided an update on the security of the National Culture Week. The military hierarchy of Guiriko reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to Captain Ibrahim Traoré, pledging to fulfill their mission and remain at his disposal to secure their area of responsibility and contribute to the overall security of Burkina Faso.
Must ReadIn June 2024, the Kenyan President withdrew a tax bill live on television due to public pressure, only for much of the same legislation to be quietly adopted by Parliament five months later. This situation highlights a broader issue beyond Kenya's borders. Since 2021, Kenya has been engaged in a program with the International Monetary Fund IMF, which has been extended and revised multiple times. The program's objectives are clear: consolidate public finances and increase domestic revenue, as the debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 70%, leaving little fiscal room. The government of President Ruto introduced the Finance Bill 2024, aiming to raise 346 billion Kenyan shillings, or about 2.7 billion US dollars, in additional revenue. This included a 16% VAT on bread, an annual vehicle tax, and levies on mobile money transfers and digital services. The public's reaction was immediate and widespread, with thousands of Kenyans protesting in June, mobilized via social media under #RejectFinanceBill2024. The movement was youth-led, decentralized, and lacked identified political leadership. On June 25, the Parliament was stormed, leading to dozens of deaths in clashes with security forces, according to human rights organizations. On June 26, 2024, President William Ruto addressed the nation, announcing he would not sign the Finance Bill 2024, stating that "the people have spoken," and the bill was withdrawn. In December 2024, the Tax Laws Amendment Act, the Tax Procedures Amendment Act, and the
SITARAIL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, launched a special "culture train" on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from Ouagadougou railway station. This initiative aims to provide free transportation for cultural actors and festival-goers to Bobo-Dioulasso, the host city for the 22nd edition of the National Culture Week SNC, which opens on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Nearly 400 participants benefited from this free transport to the economic capital to attend the biennial event. Joachim Ouédraogo, Deputy General Manager of AGL Burkina, stated that this initiative supports government actions and highlighted the group's commitment to national and international events like the SNC. He expressed joy at the enthusiasm surrounding the operation, which enabled 400 people to travel for free and fully participate in the SNC. Marguerite Douanio/Sou, representing the Minister of Culture, praised the gesture as highly patriotic. She conveyed the minister's message, describing the "culture train" as more than just transport; it symbolizes cultural diversity, carrying stories, knowledge, talents, and dreams. She thanked SITARAIL for its exemplary social responsibility, aligning with the vision of the country's highest authorities. Beneficiaries expressed their satisfaction. Rakieta Compaoré, a first-time train traveler, commended the organization from registration to boarding and thanked SITARAIL, wishing for a peaceful journey. Sanata Kaboré, also on her first train trip, shared her j