34% of Malian women will experience gender-based violence during their lifetime. Addressing this issue requires locally-led approaches that challenge root causes while connecting survivors to the support they need.
In 2025, MSI Mali piloted two complementary approaches to address harmful gender norms and gender-based violence.
They supported the public health system to set up four new Women’s User Committees to empower strong female champions as role models in the community, to spark discussions among their peers and create lasting, grassroots-led change, addressing drivers of gender inequality and violence.
They also introduced a boardgame designed to challenge gender norms. The game follows a couple on their family planning journey as they get married, have children, make decisions about family planning, and deal with challenges that affect their household. It integrates role plays and discussion cards.
Read our brief to learn more about these initiatives and the encouraging results we saw:
