Insights

Several members of the Burkina Faso office team with the National Advisor on
International Women's Day, March 2024. Photo: DCAF

Having a job means much more than getting paid. It is a source of self-esteem, social status, security and dignity. Yet unequal access to employment is still prevalent in many countries, to the detriment of women.

In Burkina Faso, women represent only 11.3% of the population in the labour market. The country's patriarchal culture encourages low-income families to send boys to school rather than girls. The lack of qualifications and training for women then prevents them from finding a job and being competitive on the labour market.

The government of Burkina Faso has taken a number of steps to change this situation, but the cultural, social and economic dynamics create a number of challenges that need to be overcome in order to succeed.

Our office in Burkina Faso has a staff of ten, including four men and six women.

Promoting gender equality is at the heart of the DCAF's mandate and an integral part of its approach to good governance," explains Sabine S. Bouda/Sawadogo, sociologist and gender and security project officer in our Burkina Faso office. In this context, DCAF works to challenge the roles and stereotypes that are at the root of inequality and exclusion. 

In the month of March, which honours women, we have chosen to show how this is put into practice by sharing the testimonies of three colleagues from Burkina Faso, whom we are delighted to have with us.
 

Laurentine Koncobo, communications assistant, now holds a professional degree in digital
communications for organizations and has received training in the coordination of
civil-military activities. Photo: DCAF

"I joined DCAF in February 2023 as a communications intern. If I have the position of communications assistant today, it is thanks to the support of my line managers, my elders and the whole team, to whom I would like to express my sincere gratitude, not only for instilling in me the DCAF culture and many other values, but also for the commitment and appreciation they have shown towards me and my work.

DCAF is not just a place to work for me, it's a family. A family that puts all its members first. Thanks to this spirit, I learn a lot through the actions and activities we carry out. I'm also growing by making the most of the human and professional aspects.

I can't finish without thanking the hierarchy, both at national level and in Geneva. 

Thank you for the special place you give to women within DCAF. This initiative to put us in the spotlight is irrefutable proof of this.”

Long live DCAF, Long live women
Laurentine Koncobo, Communications Assistant
 

Christiane Sanou, recruited as an intern, is now a Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant.
She has recently obtained her Master's degree in monitoring and evaluation. Photo: DCAF

"I started working at DCAF in February 2023 as a monitoring and evaluation intern, following a very tight recruitment process involving men. During my internship, I gained experience and skills in monitoring and evaluation through the tasks assigned to me and various field trips with our partners. 

What I like about DCAF is the family atmoshere. We support each other and are treated as equals. 

Thanks to the solidarity of the whole team, I was able to capitalise on this great experience and defend my Master's thesis in February 2024 with an excellent distinction. 

Today, I can say that I have risen through the ranks because I am a DCAF employee.
DCAF has allowed me to grow in experience and maturity. I'm delighted to be working here and to be part of this dynamic team, which is constantly promoting gender equality.

My sincere thanks to all the team in the Geneva office, who never cease to encourage and empower us.
Christiane Sanou, Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant 

Alizèta Sedgo, previously recruited as a maintenance worker with a primary school certificate,
now holds a 1st cycle certificate and a secretarial and office automation certificate. Photo: DCAF

"I started working at DCAF in 2021. At first, I was responsible for office maintenance, reception, shopping and helping the team members with small requests.

Today, I'm a bit of a 'Swiss Army knife', just like the rest of the team. I'm fully involved in administrative tasks with the support of the Administration and Finance Manager, which gives me the opportunity to learn.

I started out with a primary school education, but thanks to the encouragement and support of the team, I enrolled in evening classes to continue my studies, and was able to obtain my 1st cycle certification. 

I was also able to do a course in office automation and administration. I fit in well with the team and I'm very happy. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our National Advisor for the family spirit he has created, which helps us to develop both professionally and socially.
I'd also like to thank our headquarter office in Geneva for the favourable conditions put in place to support the staff well-being. 

I hope the links created at DCAF will be strengthened and that the climate of cohesion will continue.
Alizèta SEDGO, Mail Service Manager

Our Burkina Faso office is one of our 15 offices around the world. In each of them, DCAF is committed to implementing our gender equality policy to allow our employees, both men and women, to achieve their full potential. Our aim is to recognise and promote the skills and contributions of everyone in all our activities. 

Our Director, Nathalie Chuard, promotes our values by taking part in the International Gender Champions initiative.

If you share the same values, we invite you to join us.  We always post our job opportunities on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and the DCAF website.