English Version | The girls that repair cars

When you are born a woman in Bangladesh, the future defines itself: getting married, having kids, and working on household chores. But there is a school that seeks to challenge this social norms, preparing young women for professional careers in sectors typically associated with men. An unexpected opportunity for those who never though they could live an happy ending. 

At the heart of one of the poorest countries in the world, there is the Centre Féminin d’Initiation et d’Apprentissage aux Métiers (CFIAM), which is a school dedicated to female empowerment and the elimination of social inequalities in Burkina Faso. It was in 1997 that the association now known as Tour por Tous - Yennenga opened its first academic centre for young women, followed, in 2002, by a second institution located in the surroundings of the country’s capital, Ouagadougou. A school which is now the centre of this photo essay. 

Currently, the CFIAM in Ouagadougou receives almost 200 girls, the majority of young age, coming from lower social classes, orphanages or troubled families that had to pause their children’s education. But this is not a traditional school in Burkina Faso. In reality, this academic center goes against the traditions and mentality of the country, by creating the basis for some students to follow in the future professional careers in sectors typically dominated by men. Here, subjects like Maths and French are taught side by side with intensive practical courses, like electronics or mechanics. In a country where over 53% of young people are unemployed, and the emergence of a more extreme version of Islam seeks to slow down progress, these girls study eight hours a day for six days a week, in order to achieve a greater future, not only for them, but for the whole family. 

“In Burkina Faso a girl belonging to the lower social classes cannot expect much from her life. She must stay at home to help with all the houseworks, always carried out by women”, explains Yvette. For the psychologist of the CFIAM, this school represents a new beginning, an unexpected opportunity for young women, who were taught not to expect much from their future. “They find self confidence, understand that they can finally be masters of their lives and decide for their own future. They understand that they are really worth something, are important”, continues the healthcare professional, also adding that the fact that these girls are doing something which, in their country, is traditionally done by men, ends up working as an even bigger motivation. 

In this school, the general insertion rate for non-traditional occupations is around 62% among former students. When they finish their courses, some girls end up receiving specialised support, or even financial, from CFIAM, so they can open their own businesses. But most of them find a job in other companies, within the sector where they have come to specialise in. A small step in the fight for gender equality, but a giant step for their lives. 

Testimonies:

“After being initially skeptical in tackling something considered as a men exclusive domain I changed my mind.In fact, finally finding a job in this field is a strong motivation and a life changing perspective. I want to persuade other girls to join the school and follow my example.” Geneviève, 21

“For several years I was dubious about the idea of attending such a different kind of course. But then the Splendid Hotel where I was working was attacked by terrorists and I lost my job. So I decided to change my life and started the school. Now I’m studying very hard to be able to open an electronics shop and reshape my future.” Georgette, 28 

“People don’t believe when I give them a diagnosis about a problem they have with their car, diminishing it just as “girl talk”. But they must soon admit their wrong preconceptions. About men, and marriage, if someone wants to love me, he must accept that I am an emancipated girl.” Rookia, 27

“I am so determined to follow the steps to achieve this career that in the future I want to be able to train other girls to the profession, a choice that can change their lives forever.” Emilie, 19

“I have 11 siblings and my parents can barely find the means to feed us all. I want to become an expert technician, open my own repair shop and help my family. I want to show the world that girls can do whatever they want if they commit, even things that are usually done only by men.” Carol, 18 

Originally translated from The Underground Issue, published October 2021.Full credits and stories on the print issue.