The Role of Women in the Transmission of Cultural Knowledge through Rites of Passage in Mali: Between Tradition and the Evolution of Social Norms

Rites of passage are a central vector for the transmission of cultural knowledge in Malian societies. Women play a key role as intermediaries and carriers of knowledge. Particular attention is paid to how they contribute to the preservation and transmission of knowledge in the context of modernization. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with older and younger female initiates. Observations of ritual ceremonies in some communities allowed us to collect certain data. The results show that women provide cultural continuity. In the context of new social norms, they successfully combine tradition and modernity. This leads to the restructuring of cultural practices. This study highlights the central role of women in the transmission of cultural knowledge and the importance of their role in the preservation and development of Mali’s intangible cultural heritage. It also opens avenues for valorizing cultural practices and developing appropriate educational and cultural policies.