Girls in Burkina Faso

Limited economic and educational opportunities in rural Burkina Faso drive adolescent girls to migrate to urban areas. Many are employed as domestic workers, where they have few opportunities to continue their studies, build social networks, and develop skills needed for adult life.

In response, Population Council researchers and our partners are implementing and evaluating a skill-building program, Girls Awakened, for girls 11–18 years old. The female-led, girls-only groups focus on life skills, health and hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, and numeracy and financial capabilities. Girls are also given the opportunity to participate in literacy classes and learn French.

Results from the program will be shared with policymakers and program planners in order to improve strategies for reaching migrant adolescent girls in domestic service.

For more information: popcouncil.org/GirlsAwakened