Women are playing a key role in Mali’s recovery

(New York, 10 November 2015): The Head of Operations at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, John Ging, today applauded the pivotal role played by women in Mali’s recovery from violent conflict. Mr. Ging has just returned from a three-day visit to Mali, where he traveled to Timbuktu and met with the Prime Minister and the Minister for Solidarity, Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction of the North. He also visited some small enterprises, a large number of which were created and led by women. “I was struck by the strength and energy of women in Mali,” noted Mr. Ging. “They have a central role to play in the country’s recovery but must be empowered and supported to assume that role.” “Two years ago I saw the key role of women here in holding families and communities together in the midst of war,” continued Mr. Ging. “It is fantastic to see the impressive results being achieved today by women making a key contribution to the economic recovery of communities decimated by conflict.” Mr. Ging also praised recent peace efforts; “I applaud the wisdom of parties to the conflict in reaching a successful peace agreement in June. This presents a real window of opportunity to build lasting peace in the country, but we must support the positive momentum with the necessary financial resources for humanitarian and development activities.” Mali faces a high humanitarian caseload, with some 2.6 million people in Mali in need of assistance. Child malnutrition rates are of particular concern, with some areas reporting over 17 per cent of infants severely malnourished. Despite these immense needs, Mali’s aid appeal is only 33 per cent funded. Mali has had impressive results in getting education services back on track, after destruction, damage, and the flight of teachers and administrators during the conflict shut down over 90 per cent of schools in northern and eastern parts of the country. “It was inspiring to see so many children back at school, being taught by highly competent and dedicated teachers, the majority of whom are women,” said Mr. Ging. With the African Union declaring 2015 the ‘Year of the African Women’, the role played by women in Mali is an important example across the continent. However, women in Mali continue to be subjected to serious violence, including the 89 per cent prevalence of female genital mutilation. “The number of girls being subjected to female genital mutilation in Mali is startling and we bear a collective responsibility to end this unspeakable violence against innocent girls,” said Mr. Ging.

For further information, please call:
Michelle Delaney, OCHA New York, delaneym@un.org, Tel + 1 917 367 4568, Cell +1 917226 6308