Tougma Biba is a Pull for Progress Nurse at the Domestic Violence Clinic in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This is the only public clinic of its kind in Ouagadougou, and the goal is stabilization. The focus of the workers here is not only on the physical and mental health of the woman, but also her morale and security concerns, as well as follow-up care. Tougma and her colleagues approach victims of domestic violence holistically, providing them with access to a psychologist, social workers, proper nutrition, and work with the family to ensure a safe environment. Fleeing domestic violence can often mean periods of houselessness, which necessarily impacts health. Tougma’s role as one of the Nurses is to ensure the women and their children receive proper nutrition, treat any wounds or infections, and generally to stabilize their health. For Tougma, working with Pull for Progress not only means a stable income and the ability to use her skills and knowledge, but she also proudly explains that that the program works – so far, no woman has returned after leaving.
