21.03.2025
Women and forests: when biodiversity meets empowerment. COMIFAC's International Women's Rights Day 2025 paved the way for an unprecedented dialogue between rural women as full players in the sustainable management of natural resources.
International Women's Rights Day 2025 offered a unique opportunity to highlight the central role of rural women in the sustainable management of natural resources, while raising the profile of COMIFAC (Commission des Forêts d'Afrique Centrale). Organized in collaboration with the GIZ program and the BSB Yamoussa Project, this day of meetings and exchanges brought together a wide range of players to discuss the constraints, challenges and opportunities linked to the valorization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
Increasing the visibility of COMIFAC and rural women in the sustainable management of forest resources
Given that COMIFAC remains little known to the general public, and in particular to rural women, this event aimed to make up for this deficit by bringing this institution closer to local communities, but also by highlighting the role of women in the sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa.
A comprehensive presentation of COMIFAC's missions, members, partners and achievements in NTFP management was given to raise awareness and provide information.
Inspiring women at the heart of discussions
Following the presentation of the results of the BSB Yamoussa project on transhumant women, a woman gave a testimonial on the project's contribution to the establishment of more than 2,000 birth certificates for children. The presentation of the results of the study on the difficulties encountered by women in conservation and access to training led to the sharing of experiences. The conference-debate on women's potential in the NTFP value chain provided an opportunity to hear moving testimonials from women leaders such as Sylvie, a heavy equipment driver, and dynamic women in their professions, such as Hélène MAPOKO, President of the “Artisan au féminin” association. Contributions from renowned participants, such as representatives of aboriginal women and women entrepreneurs, highlighted the courage, knowledge and dynamism of women in this sector.
Analyzing challenges for better action
A significant part of the discussions focused on the obstacles faced by rural women in collecting, conserving, processing and marketing NTFPs. The results of the study carried out in 2024 served as a basis for identifying systemic challenges and proposing concrete solutions. Among the themes addressed, the participants also explored the role of women in the green economy in Central Africa, revealing promising opportunities.
Collaboration for the future
The BSB Yamoussa Project played a key role in the event, promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and actively involving transhumant and rural women in this dynamic. Booths displaying products made by these women were of great interest to participants, who bought shea butter, soybean oil, moabi oil, coconut oil, cassava chips, wooden kitchen utensils, etc.
The collaboration between COMIFAC and its partners, enriched by this day, is part of a vision of sustainable development in which women are key players.
