Humanitarian need and political instability grow as armed groups expand their control of northern Burkina Faso. Learn more about why Burkina Faso features on the IRC’s 2023 Emergency Watchlist

Amina resides in the Mopti region of Mali. A 31-year-old mother of two, she’s dedicated to supporting young women and girls who are facing risks of gender-based violence.

Lalla, a 40-year old mother to six, was forced to flee with her family when conflict broke out. Now living on the outskirts of Meneka, a town in the southeast of Mali, she talks about what she's gone through, how the IRC is helping, and why she never fails to smile.

Kaltouma is determined to keep on surviving for her children, and dreams of a future when her community returns to peace.