MCI Releases a Gender Needs Assessment for Segou, Mali

Our latest report, “Gender Needs Assessment for Segou, Mali,” finds that women and girls in this regional capital face significant challenges preventing them from enjoying full equality and empowerment. Female illiteracy rates are high, and school enrollment and retention rates for girls remain low. Maternal mortality, gender-based violence and unemployment levels remain high and representation in government is very low.

MCI’s needs assessment suggests that Segou can achieve MDG 3, promoting gender equality and empowering women, with an annual investment of $17 per capita between 2012 and 2015 in such targeted interventions as mass media and community-based programs to raise awareness of property, inheritance, reproductive and fundamental human rights; vocational and microcredit training and programs; sensitivity training for judges, civil servants and law enforcement officers; and support for female candidates and elected representatives.