Francophone West Africa is home to nine countries whose populations are projected to grow by 55% to 88% over the next 25 years—among the fastest growth rates in the world. The region also faces deep exposure to environmental and climatic stress, persistent instability across the Sahel, and growing pressure on governance and democratic institutions.  

Joseph Asunka, CEO of Afrobarometer, and Marie Ba, Director of the Ouagadougou Partnership Coordination Unit, two of our partners, are featured in this thoughtful conversation for The Stimson Center’s New Security Beat discussing new survey data examining public attitudes toward women’s autonomy in decision-making across Francophone West Africa. 

This discussion highlights an important finding: while there is broad support for women deciding when to marry, support is weaker when it comes to decisions about contraception and family planning, underscoring the need to address persistent social norms alongside expanding access to reproductive health services. 

Data like these help inform stronger policies, strengthen accountability, and improve health and development outcomes across the region. 

Read the article and watch the interview here.