WoLAf 7, almost as if you were there.
- Mouniirah DEME
- Apr 3
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 4
A few days ago, I had the honor of participating in a forum on female leadership, and I was in the Entrepreneurship category. To be sincere, my choice of category was quite random because I was hesitating between several others, and in the end, I thought that entrepreneurship would be, I would say, the meeting point between all of them. WoLAf is, as they say in military jargon, a BULK school. It's 3 intensive days, yes, but 3 days that can change a life. In this article, I wanted to share my experience with you, so that you can live this 7th edition almost as if you were there. Thank you for joining us. Enjoy.
What is WoLAf?
The Initiative—Women Leadership in Africa(WoLAf), formerly known as the National Campaign for the Promotion of Women's Leadership (CNLPF), is a program born from the idea of bridging the gap between different generations of women and with a view to contributing more effectively to development. Since 2016, WoLAf has supported thousands of young women through training sessions, mentoring programs and by promoting women's entrepreneurship through the SiDef (Salon des Initiatives Feminines pour le Développement). Each year, around 200 young women aged 18 to 29 are selected from all over the country and divided into 16 categories, namely: banking, financial institutions and insurance; communication; agriculture and agribusiness; social engagement; business and multinationals; public administration; international institutions/diplomacy; creative industry; mining, energy-climate; entrepreneurship; health professions; digital economy; politics; buildings, public works; accounting expertise; legal professions. The forum itself lasts (3) three days, and includes, among other things, experience sharing, training, talk shows, a pitch competition, mentoring and tutoring programs, all topped off by the Guimbis Night. The Guimbis Night is an evening during which the merits of organizations and institutions proudly involved in the fight for women's rights and the promotion of female leadership are recognized. Committed to gender equality (SDG 5) and capturing the demographic dividend, WoLAf collaborates with local and international partners to inspire, train and mobilize women as a driving force for sustainable development in Africa.
Self-confidence with Coach Fatim Konkobo/Touré.
On the morning of the first day of the forum, we were treated to visits some local institutions and businesses. Participants in the Entrepreneurship category, along with those in the Banks, Financial Institutions, and Insurance category, visited the headquarters of BOA (Bank of Africa). We were welcomed by Ms. Corine Ouédraogo/Coulibaly, head of the Elite branch and one of the mentor for the second category. It was an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the banking institution, both from the customer and employee perspectives.
After lunch , we spent the afternoon with Coach Fatim Touré, co-CEO of TimCoach. For two hours, Ms. Konkobo/Touré immersed us in the world of self-confidence and personal leadership. We learned that self-confidence is one of the components of self-esteem, which is composed of self-belief, self-acceptance, self-image, and self-love.
Self-esteem is the way we perceive ourselves as a person, know our abilities and appreciate and love ourselves unconditionally.
“When you say yes to others, make sure you don't say no to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho.
We learned that flaws are integral parts of every human being and that rather than trying to eliminate them, it is wiser to devote more time to working on amplifying one's qualities in order to lessen the impact of one's flaws. And finally, we learned the power of synergy, how 1 + 1 can give 3, and also that by having confidence in ourselves, we inspire others to have confidence in themselves.
📽️ Mentee film.
After the coaching session, we had the pleasure, for those who were not able to see it at the Fespaco 2025, of watching a short film called «Under the Veil of Our Silences ». This short film is the work of Eboubié Délia Yasmine Ido, a nutritionist by training and alumni of the 6th edition of WoLAf in the Creative Industry category. She had the honor of being mentored by Ms. Appoline Traoré, mentor and sponsor of the 7th edition. Do not hesitate if the opportunity arises to watch this film, which is a call to reflection, and also to action. Here is the synopsis:
Gilbert, Attorney General and self-proclaimed advocate for women's rights, forces his daughter Tina into an incestuous relationship. In her early twenties, Tina begins to show signs of resistance, but her efforts are hampered when she thinks about her mother, Sandra, who suffers from a 'mental disorder'. Everything changes when she discovers her mother's drawings, reveal that she isn't actually crazy...
Climbing your second mountain with Aminata Diallo/Glez.
Aminata Diallo/Glez is a Burkinabe actress, director and producer known in particular for the role of Kadi Jolie in the series 3 femmes 1 Village. This year, she decided to be a mentor, not in the Creative Industry category, as many, including myself, expected, but rather in the Social Engagement one. Why? I would say, (to borrow Ryan Holiday's idea in his book "Right Thing, Right Now" ) that Ms. Diallo has chosen to climb her second mountain. For the past few years, she has been at the head of the Mandi Association, one of the few in this field, committed to supporting people at the end of their lives, to live their last days without suffering. Finally, Ms. Diallo holds an MBA from the University of African Unity (formerly IAM), that she got long after the beginning of her career in the movies. She is proof that we never stop learning and that it is never too late to go back to school. Finally, she announced the release, which we hope will be very soon, of an autobiographical documentary entitled «Combat de Vie», which will retrace her story.
Introduction to public speaking with Wilfried Sebgo.
The talk show with Ms. Diallo was followed by a training workshop on public speaking. Mr. Segbo taught us the fundamentals of effective communication through the use of methods under the acronyms BPC (Brief, Precise and Concise) and KISS (Keep It Short and Simple). He also taught us that smiling, enthusiasm and conviction are key factors and that it is also important to know how to define your objective (to inform, persuade or inspire) and adapt your message to your audience.
“If you don't say who you are, someone else will say who you are not.”
Personal Branding & Linkedin with Ms. Gbagamassi Soumaya.
Before this presentation, Linkedin was one of my least favorite social networks, along with TikTok. Why? Because I found there was a bit too much megalomania. Almost everyone was a CEO, almost everyone had 'made it'. So even though I had an account, I admit I had trouble sharing even the smallest professional accomplishment because I was afraid it would be perceived as if I wanted to show off. But as Coach Fatim said on Day 1 of the Forum:
“When we say what we know how to do and we really know how to do it, it is not a lack of humility.”
Saying what we know how to do while really knowing how to do it is nothing more and nothing less than a fact. This presentation changed my perspective on this network, which I relearned to represent to myself as what it is: a professional network, or even our online CV. In the digital age, it is one of the essential tools that allows us not only to facilitate our job searches, but to connect with people in the same field as us and not only, to exchange constructive ideas, to gain new skills and even opportunities at the national and international level. So if you are on Linkendin, do not hesitate to visit my profile and let's connect! Mouniirah Deme is on Linkendin.
WolAF, 1 year later.
Following Ms. Gbagamassi's presentation, we attended an experience sharing session presented by Ms. Rasmata Derra, gender and peacebuilding expert and three alumni of the 6th edition of WoLAf. The panel was moderated by Ms. Annick Bado, herself a WolAf alumni, and Ms. Derra's mentee. This panel was followed by a self-defense training session in the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Esther Loeffen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Burkina Faso.
Round tables and B2B:
On the third day in the morning, we had the opportunity to meet and discuss with the mentors of each category. For the Entrepreneurship category to which I belonged, we met Ms. Somé/Tiemtoré Natacha , Civil Engineer, Construction Option, and Entrepreneur, and Ms. Diawara Kandia , Logistics/Sales, and Entrepreneur. The round table lasted about an hour and it was an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the very definition of entrepreneurship. After a tour where everyone was able to make their contribution, we arrived at the following definition:
“Entrepreneurship means carrying out an income-generating activity to meet a social need by first drawing up a business plan.”
We learned that before starting a business, you need to create not only a business plan, but also a personal plan. You need to know yourself, your strengths and areas for improvement (weaknesses) and be in harmony with yourself. After these group discussions, we were able to discuss in B2B with each mentor. I admit that I hadn't prepared this part that much, because I thought that if it was about talking about myself, I didn't need to. But I think it would have helped me a little more, because with stress it's easy to forget even the most obvious information.
💡Tips: During this type of interview, I would advise you to go either first or last. This way, you'll be more easily remembered by your interviewer. It's not easy to go first, but with a little preparation and a lot of authenticity, it's manageable.
On the importance of a 'North Star' with Dr. Anne Maryse K'haboré.
Starting from a childhood observation, Dr. K'haboré's dream gradually transformed into what is called the 'North Star'. Several self-help books describe how important having a 'North Star' is for each and every one of us, as it guides and carries us through our times of doubt and difficulty. In other words, Dr. K'haboré had a 'why', and it was this why that carried her through any how. What is it? It is: "To actively contribute to making health for all a reality in Africa." Former Director General of CAMEG, Dr. K'haboré was able to face criticism and skepticism with her skills and determination. She brought major changes to the organization during her mandat, while paving the way for better management even after her. She is an example of combativity and resilience from which we can all draw inspiration.
The passion which prevails with Mrs. Appoline Traoré.
Following the talk show with Dr. Anne Maryse K'haboré, we attended a panel on Women in Diplomacy and Cooperation. A panel that I had to sacrifice to be able to discuss with the mentors of the Creative Industry category. I spent a few minutes with Ms. Appoline Traoré, director and producer, author of several successful feature films and winner of the Silver Stallion at Fespaco 2023. With Ms. Traoré, we talked about passion, content creation and the importance, whatever the field we are working in, of giving our 100% or more. We cannot not give ourselves entirely to what we do and hope for a good result. Further more, even if the end result does not please others, as long as we have done what is necessary, we can always be proud of ourselves, and be satisfied with having given the best, without regret. She told me:
“You started by telling me 'your' passions. That's a problem. You have to determine which one is more important. The one that stands above all else. The one you might be willing to give your life for. Are you willing to give your life for all these things you said you like?”
After talking with Ms. Traoré, I was able to have a moment with Ms. Jeanette Nezien, mentor in the same category, alumni of the first edition of WoLAf, and Ms. Traoré's mentee. Ms. Nezien was born and raised in Bobo-Dialousso, where her passion for theater arose. She started doing some acting during her high school years. Were we talking about passion earlier? Well, Ms. Nezien is the epitome of what is it to be passionate. She knew what she wanted, and she gave herself the means to achieve it. Despite encountering a lot of resistance, she persevered to become who she is, and where she is today. She ended by reflecting on the power of positive thinking.
“You are what you believe...” she said.
So, dear reader, believe in yourself, believe that you are capable of accomplishing great things, believe in your star, believe in your potential, and that is what you are or will be.
The day ended with a pitch competition in the afternoon, followed by a cocktail reception and the Night of Guimbis. During the evening, members of the various juries unveiled the results of the 6th edition of the (Salon des Initiatives Féminines pour le Développement) - SIFeD 6, the pitch competition, and the list of participants selected by the various mentors for the mentoring program. I was lucky enough to be one of the 5 selected out of 15 in my category to benefit from this program.
The first reason I chose to enroll in the WoLAf program is because it was a new experience, and I love new experiences. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I hoped to be inspired and amazed by these women who are already well along the path I'm just starting to walk on. I met some wonderful people, with whom I learned a lot, and I hope I made connections for life. At first, I was a bit skeptical, not about the program itself, but about my own abilities. Everyone has ideas, but fewer people manage to bring them to fruition. The word "Entrepreneurship" scared me as much as it fascinated me. And thanks to my participation in WoLAf and the wonderful people I met, I learned to demystify the concept and gain even more self-confidence. Thank you to the organizing committee, thank you to all those people who, near and far, made this possible, thank you to the beautiful souls with whom I shared this adventure, thank you to my mentor, Mrs. Somé, for choosing me. And as always, thank you my beloved reader. Take care and stay blessed.
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