Context
As of March 2023, Burkina Faso recorded more than two million internally displaced persons (IDPs), nearly 10 per cent of the total population. The large majority are women and children, many of whom have lost family members and endured severe trauma. Consequently, state institutions struggle to deliver essential services to those affected.
Amid these challenges, women face growing financial hardship, persistent gender discrimination, and social stigma. Together these pressures heighten psychological distress, with 41 per cent of all IDPs in Burkina Faso experiencing mental health issues.
Objective
The mental health and psychosocial well-being of internally displaced women and vulnerable members of host communities in the municipality of Fada N’Gourma, eastern Burkina Faso, have improved.
Approach
The project implements a comprehensive package of measures to support psychosocial well-being and social inclusion in Fada N’Gourma. Main activities include:
- Advocacy: The project conducts awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental health needs.
- Psychosocial support services: It develops community-based and individual psychosocial support services with local organisations, including self-help groups, mobile counselling teams, and safe spaces for women.
- Skills development and empowerment: It trains staff to deliver high-quality psychosocial counselling and offers workshops for displaced women and vulnerable host community members to improve their economic participation and facilitate their access to income generating opportunities.