“Mrs. Massaran is coordinating the 2020 rising in Mali to put femicide and gender based violence at the center of national concerns in Mali. The aim is to encourage victims to speak up and to seek legal protection from femicide and gender related violence on mine sites. The 2020 rising is the opportunity for the Mali team to pressure the decision makers to follow through on theirpromise to insure gender equality based on the Sustainable Development Goals.” – Massaran Bibi

One Billion Rising Coordinator for Mali, MASSARAN BIBI, is a local development researcher. Through her research, Massaran saw close-up how gender based violence was failing vulnerable rural women, especially those who worked in artisanal mining sites South and West of Mali. The experience prompted her to research how women and girls could be taught the skills they need to thrive. Her research harnesses data and cultural background information to make a replicable model of local development. The outcome of her engagement was the local NGO named Groupement des femmes pour la Paix et le Développement (Women’s Group for Peace and Development) (GFPD). Massaran is conducting thorough research with Alliance for Research and Development in Mali. Mrs Massaran is coordinating the 2020 rising in Mali to contribute in putting femicide (and GBV) in general in the center of national concerns in Mali.