Gender Norms Etiquette in Burkina Faso

Public life in Burkina Faso is still fairly traditional, so men are often expected to take the lead in formal settings while women may be greeted more cautiously and with more deference, especially in rural areas. In cities the norms are changing, but modest dress and polite, indirect behavior are still appreciated, and it is best to avoid assuming women will be comfortable with physical contact or very direct conversation from strangers.