A Revolution for Burkina Faso Women
"There is no true social revolution without the liberation of women". This statement may seem obvious to many, however no effective politician or revolutionary figure of our 'advanced' Western history ever made it part of his/her ideology and mission.
There cannot be any kind of social and political revolution if half of the population remains silent. In Burkina Faso women before and after the liberation of the country from the French in 1960 suffered an extreme condition of inequality and injustice in all aspects of life. With the coup of 1983 everything changed: more women had access to primary school education, they were offered the possibility to learn different languages, polygamy and forced marriage were abolished and women were covering administrative and executive roles for the first time.
This turn was possible thanks to Thomas Sankara, now a legendary figure of contemporary African history. Although much has been written on Thomas Sankara, also known as the 'Che' of Africa, many still now do not know about his revolution in Burkina Faso.
From 1983 until his assassination in 1987 women enjoyed a position of respect that they never experienced before. Social gender roles were being examined from a new light by both women and men. While the female population was exploring its social potential, men were discovering the domestic role of women. Every year on the 8th of March, men were forced to do everything a woman does on a daily routine: they were sent to do the grocery at the market and the majority of them peeled potatoes for the first time in their lives! Rather than a suffered imposition, this change of roles had a performative and theatrical nature that allowed both sexes to enjoy and celebrate the discovery of each other's social roles. Indeed, Women's day was a glorious celebration for everyone, both men and women – thus putting into perspective the Western way of 'celebrating' Women's day.
Although in 1987 women's condition in Burkina Faso reversed to one of oppression and injustice, women are slowly fighting to re-gain their rights. Burkinabé women have a strong sense of community and of support towards each other. There are many local associations created by women for women; however without the support of the government it remains difficult for any substantial change to happen. Luckily the 8th of March is still Women's Day in Burkina Faso. Now only women celebrate this festivity: women, dressed in the same coloured robe, go to the streets to share their meal and their stories.
I asked Rigobert Bambara, member of the Burkinabé Association of Valencia, if Burkina Faso needs another revolution in order for women to gain full emancipation. He looked at me straight in the eyes and answered with a firm unconditional “YES”. Can we imagine a day in which all countries and all genders joyfully celebrate together the emancipation of women without any rally or march? And if we are still waiting for a women’s revolution, when will be the turn for LGBTI communities? How does this revolution look like? Rigobert proudly recalled how Sankara's revolution for women was one achieved without blood. Laughing, he told us that during the evenings Sankara would ride his bike through the streets of the capital and stop to talk to the women. Just talk. And understand. And act. There is still much that we can learn from Burkina Faso's history, Sankara's revolution and from Burkinabé women.
Photo: Malika ‘La Slammeuse’ photographed by Leila Alaoui in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
With thanks to the CIM Burkina Association (Colaboración con la Infancia y la Mujer en Burkina Faso) Llanos Rodríguez (Presidenta de CIM Burkina) y Rigobert Bambara (Memberof the Burkinabé Association of Valencia)
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