POLICY PAPER| FES PSCC Supporting the role of women in peacebuilding in Burkina Faso Fatimata OuEdraogo June 2023 INTRODUCTION The security situation in Burkina Faso has steadily dete­riorated since 2015, posing multidimensional challenges for the country. In addition to the catastrophic human toll in terms of soldiers and civilians killed, the conflict has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with a massive flow of people fleeing their homes for more secure areas and in need of emergency aid. The crisis has had a disproportionate impact on women and children, who make up more than 80% of internally displaced persons, according to data from the Burkinabè National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation (CONASUR). They have also been targets of kidnappings and sexual violence, particularly in the Sahel and Centre­North regions. The country has undertaken a number of multi-sector initiatives to put an end to the conflict. In addition to military operations, it has developed a number of political, legislative, and institutional mechanisms, as well as development programmes in the worst-affected areas. A number of community initiatives have also been set up to help resolve the conflict, strengthen social cohesion, and build peace. Women are involved in these initiatives at different levels of society. They work as actors for peace, sometimes far from the spotlight and in difficult socio-cultural contexts, to promote social cohesion, living together, and the return of peace to Burkina Faso. However, women’s contribution remains marginal and their visibility remains low, despite a context brimming with opportunities for them to play an active and mean­ingful role in the quest for peace. They also continue to be less represented than men in government bodies and mechanisms set up to promote national reconciliation and cohesion.