Equality and Shared Responsibility in Mali

When equality and shared responsibility strengthen family cohesion in Mali

In many villages across Mali, gender inequalities and violence hinder family well-being and weaken social cohesion. Aware of this challenge, the Dou Touloma Project launched an extensive training and awareness program on gender-based violence (GBV) and shared responsibility between women and men. 

Using tools tailored to rural realities—such as image boxes in Bambara (one of Mali’s local languages), radio dramas, forum theater, and Gender Equality Committees—the program directly reaches communities in Koulikoro, Ségou, Sikasso, and Dioila. The results are tangible: stronger families, empowered women, and more harmonious communities. 

The Barry family: Unity through shared responsibility

In Ouassila, Ségou region, Madani Barry and his wife Kadja Samaké embody this new dynamic. 

After attending Dou Touloma sessions, Madani realized that sharing household responsibilities does not diminish his worth—it strengthens peace and family cohesion. Today, he plows Kadja’s field to help her meet the farming calendar, cares for their child while she attends training at the farmer field school or literacy center,and supports her income-generating activities. 

Together, they move forward with trust and solidarity. 

The Coulibaly family: Inspiring a whole village

In N’Ganouba, Koulikoro region, Soumaïla Coulibaly and his two wives share their story of change. Thanks to forum theater and the local Gender Equality Committee, their family now lives in harmony and complementarity. 

The wives explain: “Our husband helps with household chores and childcare, while we assist him in managing his shop.” 

This commitment inspired other men in the village. Today, one full day per week is dedicated to women: farming tools and labor are reserved for them so they can better cultivate their fields—a true social revolution in N’Ganouba. 

Sarata Traoré: A voice for change in Dioila

In Tiendougoubou, Sarata Traoré, secretary of the Benkadi cooperative, shares: 

“In my village, every two days we heard women crying from violence. Since the forum theater and the Gender Equality Committee were introduced, conflicts have diminished. Men now give more space to women and help with family management.” 

A powerful testimony of participatory awareness. 

A space for women’s dignity in Ziasso, Sikasso region

In Ziasso, the Gender Equality Committee went further by initiating the construction of a storage facility for the women’s cooperative. This secure space now protects tools and agricultural products before marketing. 

According to Mariam Bagayoko, secretary of the Benkadi cooperative: 

“Before, our tools were scattered and poorly stored. Today, we have a safe place for our belongings. It gives us strength and dignity.” 

This investment not only strengthens women’s organizational capacity but also their recognition and legitimacy within the community. 

Gender equality: The foundation of sustainable communities 

By promoting equality and shared responsibility between women and men, the Dou Touloma Project proves that sustainable development cannot exist without family harmony and social cohesion.

These stories from Ségou, Banamba, Dioila, and Ziasso remind us that a balanced household is the cornerstone of a prosperous community—and when women and men move forward hand in hand, society as a whole progresses.