Women's Day Conference

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou hosted a press conference on March 11 to launch a new alumni association ABPEC US.BF (Association of Beneficiaries of Cultural Exchange Programs between the United States and Burkina Faso).  Speaking at the event, the President of the Association, Mme. Dahourou Adja, introduced herself and the other members of the association.  She gave a brief overview of the organization and presented its objectives for the next year.  Several members of the media participated and provided positive press coverage in local papers. 

Following the press conference, the Association launched its 2008 program with a debate celebrating International Women's Month.  Mme. Houa Bissiri, an alumni of the International Visitors Program, spoke about Women in Islam and how to reconcile a religious and professional life.  The second speaker, Mme. Traoré Félicité, spoke of her career as a single mother.  Over 70 people from all walks of life participated in the lively debate.  The interaction between the participants, journalists, and speakers helped raise very important issues facing women throughout Burkina Faso.   Ultimately, both speakers agreed that "women face the same issues regardless of race or religion."