Forced marriage in Burkina Faso

Overcoming the repressive cultural norms that undermine and limit women’s progress in West Africa

The desert expanses of northern Burkina Faso rank as one of the worst places in the world to be a woman. From as young as 12, girls are forced to abandon their studies and marry a man from the local community, often 4 or 5 times their age.

This week, I travelled to Yako, 150 kilometers from the Malian border in what is known as the ‘jihadi north’, to meet those affected — as well as the brave women battling against the cultural norms that limit young girls from reaching their potential.

A recent study by the NGO Plan International found that only 17% of women use contraception in Burkina Faso, a figure that decreases in rural communities like Yako. Access to information is extremely limited and of varying accuracy. This leaves many women without the vocabulary to describe what has happened to them or to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

If the situation is to improve for women in Burkina Faso and elsewhere across sub-Saharan Africa, family planning for young girls must be made a priority. Only then will unwanted pregnancies be avoided and maternal mortality weigh less of a heavy burden on these women who are already confronted with so many complex issues.

As ever, let me know if you have any questions via Twitter @mllenicolakelly.

Thanks!