Our story, our structure, our commitment

History and background

The ASSOCIATION POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DES INITIATIVES DES FEMMES ET ENFANTS EN DIFFICULTE (ADIFED) was born from the daily experience of women in Lafiabougou, one of the most populous districts of Bobo-Dioulasso. Faced with widows struggling to feed their children, girls leaving school too early and families affected by insecurity and displacement, a group of committed women and community members decided to organize themselves formally.

What began as informal solidarity—sharing food, paying school fees for neighbors' children, accompanying sick mothers to health centers—grew into a structured association with statutes, elected leadership and a clear mandate. ADIFED was then officially registered with the competent authorities of Burkina Faso and received Registration No. N000001639501.

Since its registration, ADIFED has expanded its reach from a single neighborhood to multiple urban and peri-urban communities in the Hauts-Bassins region. Our activities now include vocational training workshops, savings and credit groups, school support for orphans and vulnerable children, community health awareness and psychosocial support, as well as emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced families.

Legal status

ADIFED is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious association established under the laws of Burkina Faso governing freedom of association. It holds official Registration ID N000001639501 and is headquartered at Lafiabougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. The association's assets and revenues are used exclusively to fulfil its social purpose; no profits are distributed to members or leaders.

Governance structure

• General Assembly — the supreme body, composed of all active members. It meets at least once a year to approve the activity report, financial statements and the annual action plan, and elects the Executive Board.
• Executive Board — led by the President, with a Secretary General, a Treasurer and program officers, responsible for implementing decisions and managing daily operations.
• Audit and Control Committee — independent members who review accounts, verify the use of funds and report directly to the General Assembly.
• Community focal points — women leaders and volunteers in each intervention area who relay community needs and help monitor program activities.

Community commitment

ADIFED works hand in hand with customary and religious leaders, local authorities, schools, health centers and other civil society organizations. We believe sustainable change happens only when communities own the solutions. That is why each program begins with listening sessions, involves local committees in decision-making and is regularly evaluated with participants.

Our core values