SASA! Ensemble Launches to Strengthen GBV Prevention

A Regional Launch Rooted in Community Action

The SASA! Ensemble project was officially launched in Ouagadougou on June 5, 2026, bringing together civil society organizations, community leaders, institutional actors, technical services, and development partners. The initiative focuses on preventing violence against women and girls in Burkina Faso and Mali through coordinated, community-based action.

Responding to Violence in Fragile Contexts

The project is being implemented in a context shaped by insecurity, displacement, economic pressure, and weakened community protection systems. These conditions increase the vulnerability of women and girls while making access to prevention, protection, and care services more difficult.

Reaching Communities Across Two Countries

Over three and a half years, SASA! Ensemble aims to reach nearly 200,000 people in Burkina Faso and Mali through awareness-raising, community mobilization, and capacity strengthening. In Burkina Faso, implementation sites include Zagtouli, Zongo, Saaba, and Nioko 1.

CERFODES’ Programmatic Support

CERFODES is identified as providing programmatic support to partners in both countries. This role fits CERFODES’ broader institutional positioning in research, training, technical support, and community-focused development programming.

Building Lasting Change Through Participation

Dr. Yacouba Yaro emphasized the participatory nature of the project, including collaboration with associations, communities, traditional leaders, and institutions. The project’s strength lies in addressing root causes and supporting long-term change in social norms around gender-based violence.