Fatoumata Z Coulibaly | April 9, 2026
News Brief
In Bamako, Mali, social media activist Naba Fatoumata Samaké is helping adolescents access accurate sexual and reproductive health information. Through her platform, Hami-bana, she shares videos, interactive content, and discussions in French and local languages on menstrual management, STI prevention, and early pregnancy. Her work is reaching young people, encouraging open conversations on previously taboo topics and promoting health, equality, and respect.
This story was originally published in December 2025
On a typical morning in Bamako, the capital of Mali, Naba Fatoumata Samaké is sitting at her computer in her office. The young social media activist prepares awareness posts on the benefits of adolescent sexual and reproductive health education. She says, “My mission is to help adolescents access accurate information about their sexual health.”
Ms. Samaké holds a degree in international public health and geopolitics. During her own adolescence, she faced difficulties finding answers to questions about her sexual well-being, such as menstrual management, due to parents’ negative perceptions of sexual health education. She explains that in many Malian families, the topic is still considered taboo. Many parents believe that discussing sexual health may encourage early sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, or promiscuity.
Today, Ms. Samaké has committed herself to changing these perceptions through awareness content and interactions on social media, targeting adolescents seeking reliable information. She emphasizes, “We should not judge them, but rather try to understand, listen, and guide them.” For this reason, she uses tools that are current and youth-friendly to convey her message.
Through her Facebook platform, Hami-Bana, Ms. Samaké shares content such as educational videos on menstrual management, interactive information, and online discussions on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in local languages and in French. She says, “I address adolescents’ realities and experiences, including body awareness, STI prevention, and early pregnancy prevention.” Her approach encourages open and informed discussions on previously sensitive topics.
In Mali, community perceptions of adolescent sexual health education often contrast with public health needs. Although sexual health education is recognized as essential, it frequently faces resistance due to tradition, religion, and limited youth access to information.
Mamadou Doumbia, a teacher at Lafiabougou School in Bamako, says that adolescent sexual and reproductive health education involves teaching emotional, physical, and social aspects. He stresses the importance of discussing sexual health with children in ways that match their level of understanding and encourages parental dialogue at home. Indeed, according to the Ministry of Education, one in four girls in Mali left school in 2022 due to pregnancy—a situation Mr. Doumbia attributes to parents’ misconceptions about sexual health education.
Sixteen-year-old Mariama Samaké follows awareness activities on adolescent sexual and reproductive health with her peers. Unable to discuss the topic with her parents, she turned to Ms. Samaké’s platform. She says, “I find useful information through online discussions and awareness sessions.” Ms. Mariama explains that the awareness efforts have changed young people’s attitudes: she now talks comfortably with her friends about these previously avoided topics.
Ms. Samaké’s work has gradually influenced both young people and some parents. Her page has over 2,900 followers, providing reliable sexual health information. She believes that sexual health education, far from being taboo, is a pillar of health, equality, and mutual respect. She concludes, “Talking is protecting. It is the key to young people’s well-being.”This resource was produced thanks to the “HÉRÈ – Bien-être des femmes au Mali” initiative, which aims to improve the well-being of women and girls in the area of sexual and reproductive health and to strengthen the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in the regions of Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti and the district of Bamako in Mali. The project is being implemented by the HÉRÈ – MSI Mali Consortium, in partnership with Farm Radio International (FRI) and Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), with funding from Global Affairs Canada.