Survivors and heroines: women in the crisis in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is currently experiencing one of the most rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crises in the world, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By April 2020, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) had risen to almost 848 000; 84% of whom are women and children. 2.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Women find themselves at the heart of this crisis and the tensions running through Burkinabè society. This study describes the impact of the conflict on women and looks at their role in strengthening social cohesion and building peace.