Regional health promotion is accessible, as all the texts, frameworks, and conventions for the promotion and protection of women exist. There remains… - Lalla Malika Issoufou

Through my training and life as a doctor, I am aware of the burden borne by women with fistula. These women are rejected by their husbands, abandoned by their loved ones, humiliated, and excluded from society. They endure excruciating psychological suffering. My goal is to ensure that these women receive care, are surrounded by all the psychological and social support they need, regain their dignity, and can lead a healthy life like all other women. They do not deserve the stigma they face, and their rights to health and decent social treatment must be guaranteed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant socio-economic impact. In terms of the economy there has been a decline in state tax revenue, budget deficit and public services. Rising poverty means deeper vulnerabilities and social inequalities. Unfortunately, women pay a higher price. Poverty is a key issue because it deeply affects, especially women in rural areas. Many women rely on the often-unstable earnings of their spouses. Curfews, lockdowns and borders closures disrupted incoming-generating activities, causing dramatic economic vulnerability for women – the pandemic depleted household economies.

You know, there is hope if the will exists. Why not? It's all a matter of agreements and principles, and all that's needed is for French-speaking countries to be convinced of this and make a firm commitment through the creation of integration frameworks and synergistic partnerships.