Challenge of voluntary depigmentation in Mali: Natur’art engages in an awareness caravan against its harmful effects

Abstract

ntroduction: To commemorate March 8, 2023 (International Women’s Day), Natur’art engages in a vast caravan of awareness against the harmful effects of the act of depigmentation. Artificial depigmentation (AD) is the lightening of the skin using chemicals. The products employed are highly active corticosteroids, hydroquinone, as well as mercurial products such as soda. Artificial depigmentation is a practice that has emerged over the past three decades and has become one of the main reasons for dermatology consultations. In Mali, one in four women engages in depigmenting, and this phenomenon is not yet to stop as depigmentation products dominate the market. Objective: The main objective of this project was to make African women aware of the dangers of this practice and to make them aware that beauty is plural through the enhancement of the natural integrity of the skin and hair. Timeline of Activities: The awareness caravan on the harmful effects of artificial depigmentation was held at different places of the capital Bamako. The opening ceremony was held at the Bamako International Conference Centre (CICB) on Friday, March 26, 2023. The conference on the main theme followed by booth visits with the exhibition of artistic images of the skin of black African women and finally some high schools chosen on the basis of their high number of girls served as a place of awareness. The setup ended at about 8:10, and the actual ceremony began at 8:30. It was marked by three interventions. The first intervention was that of the Minister of Health and Public Health. The second was the presenter of Natur’art, Awa Bagayoko, who explained the initiative of the caravan, the innovative idea of Natur’art, consisting of preserving and enhancing the natural complexion of the African woman. There were a number of conferences about depigmentation. Conclusion: This awareness-raising caravan, the first of its kind in Mali, served as a motor to intensify the fight against this harmful practice that devalues black African women. Key words: voluntary depigmentation, awareness, harmful effffects, Mali