Women in Mali
A Fula girl in Mali | |
| General statistics | |
|---|---|
| Maternal mortality (per 100,000) | 540 (2010) |
| Women in parliament | 10.2% (2012) |
| Women over 25 with secondary education | 11.3% (2010) |
| Women in labour force | 63% (2017) |
| Gender Inequality Index | |
| Value | 0.613 (2021) |
| Rank | 155th out of 191 |
| Global Gender Gap Index | |
| Value | 0.601 (2022) |
| Rank | 141st out of 146 |
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| Women in society |
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The status and social roles of women in Mali have been formed by the complex interplay of a variety of traditions in ethnic communities, the rise and fall of the great Sahelien states, French colonial rule, independence, urbanisation, and postcolonial conflict and progress. Forming just less than half Mali's population, Malian women have sometimes been the center of matrilineal societies, but have always been crucial to the economic and social structure of this largely rural, agricultural society.
In addition, their role has been shaped by the conflicts over religion, as animist societies gave way gradually to Islam in the 1100–1900 period. In recent years, the rise of religious fundamentalism has posed a threat to women's wellbeing.
"One of the best things in [the Kingdom of Mali] is, the regard they pay to justice; for, in this respect, the Sultan regards neither little nor much. The safety, too, is very great; so that a traveler may proceed alone among them, without the least fear of a thief or robber. Another of their good properties is, that when a merchant happens to die among them, they will make no effort to get possession of his property, but will allow the lawful successors to it to take it. Another is, their constant custom of attending prayers with the congregation; for, unless one makes haste, he will find no place left to say his prayers in. Another is, their insisting on the Koran's being committed to memory: for if a man finds his son defective in this, he will confine him till he is quite perfect, nor will he allow him his liberty until he is so. As to their bad practices, they will exhibit their little daughters, as well as their male and female slaves, quite naked. In the same manner will the women enter into the presence of the King, which his own daughters will also do. Nor do the free women ever clothe themselves till after marriage. The greatest part of them will eat stinking dead bodies, dogs and donkeys."
—The Travels of Ibn Battuta, c. 1320s, translated by Samuel Lee, 1829
Contemporary problems faced by women in Mali include high rate of violence against women, child marriage and female genital mutilation.