Fanta from Mali - Her land, her future

Fanta Bocoum is a 41-year old mother of four children. She had to overcome difficult obstacles, but now she is an inspiration to many. As a member of a women’s union in her village, she is a strong advocate for women’s land rights. In Fanta’s village, land is the main means of production and its access guarantees all other underlying rights, such as the use and control over food and non-food resources. When taking part in the Partners for Resilience program, Fanta gained confidence and began making her own decisions.
Today, Fanta is a member of the women’s union and the communal coalition of Ouenkoro. When women have rightful ownership of land, they can securely invest in it, and communities become more resilient. Fanta’s coalition lobbied elected officials, traditional chiefs and land owners for changes to land tenure and the allocation of land to women. The Mayor, Landlord and the Sub-Prefect listened and signed an agreement to transfer property to Fanta and other women of the village Ouenkoro. Fanta is determined to continue her efforts. “I’m using my voice, and it’s working,” she said.