Mali: Inauguration of the Multifunctional Center of the “An-Biko” Movement

The Political and Citizen Movement for the empowerment of women and youth “An-Biko” organized, last Friday, in Kolèbougou, a neighborhood in the city of Koulikoro, the inauguration ceremony of the center called “multifunctional center of the An-Biko Movement of Koulikoro”, coupled with the celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Governor of the Koulikoro Region, Mohamar Assagaïdou Haïdara in the presence of the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women’s Promotion, Child and Family, Néne Bah, the Vice President of the Political and Citizen Movement for the empowerment of women and youth An-Biko, Mrs. Touré Binta Niane.

Also present were members of the National Transition Council (NTC), the Sub-Prefect of the Koulikoro Circle, Mrs. Coulibaly Mariam Coulibaly, dignitaries and the representative of the mayor of the Urban Commune of Koulikoro, Ali Tamboura, who recalled that the celebration of March 8 signifies the courage and commitment of women to obtain their rights, a source of their emancipation.

In this regard, he explained that women’s empowerment must be achieved through their participation in activities. “This is precisely the context in which the An-Biko political organization is no longer unfamiliar to Malians. He pointed out that the An-Biko Movement has created this center, which is an important step, as it will provide women with tools and resources for their empowerment,” emphasized the representative of the mayor of the Urban Commune of Koulikoro. Before expressing his heartfelt thanks to the leaders of the An-Biko Movement who are working alongside the government for the promotion of women in our country.

On her part, the Vice President of the An-Biko Movement, stated that we cannot talk about the development of a country without giving women their rights. “They have the right to work, to justice, to peace and security. The President of the An-Biko Movement, Mrs. Fatoumata Niane Batouly, after much reflection, said that everything that can advance and develop the country is women and youth. That is why she decided to establish the Political and Citizen Movement for the empowerment of women and youth An-Biko, aimed at women and youth. Because they are the ones who can make a difference for the development of Mali,” testified Mrs. Touré Binta Niane. According to her, from its establishment to date, the An-Biko organization has trained several women and youth in various development sectors, including agribusiness, dyeing, makeup techniques, and soap making. “Today, in Mali, An-Biko has trained women from 183 localities, not to mention the youth, from Kayes to Kidal,” she said. Regarding the multifunctional centers of the An-Biko Movement, they have been built in Kayes, Kidal, San, Kati, Bamako, Mopti, and the one in the Koulikoro Region, the city of Djoba Diarra, which was inaugurated last Friday, coupled with the celebration of March 8. This center was built here in Kolaibougou but belongs to all the women of Koulikoro, mentioned Mrs. Touré Binta Niane.

“The construction and equipping of this center is a source of joy and pride for its department. It is a real tool for empowering women in Koulikoro. The creation of this center perfectly meets several expectations of its department, including reducing the unemployment rate of girls and women, improving family income, qualifying and socio-economic and professional integration of women,” specified the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women’s Promotion, Child and Family.

Néné Bah recalled that by building this multifunctional center, the An-Biko Movement once again demonstrated its love and interest for all women of Mali in general and those of Koulikoro in particular, combined with March 8. Néné Bah recalled this year’s theme for the March 8 commemoration: “Representation of women in public and political life: challenges, issues and perspectives.”

Siné S. TRAORÉ