The status and social roles of women in Mali have been formed by the complex interplay of a variety of traditions in ethnic communities, the rise and fall of the great Sahelien states, French colonial rule, independence, urbanisation, and postcolonial conflict and progress.

In addition, their role has been shaped by the conflicts over religion, as animist societies gave way gradually to Islam in the 1100–1900 period.

Mali has more than 24 million inhabitants, and it is ethnically diverse being formed of the following groups: Bambara 34.1%, Fulani (Peul) 14.7%, Sarakole 10.8%, Senufo 10.5%, Dogon 8.9%, Malinke 8.7%, Bobo 2.9%, Songhai 1.6%, Tuareg 0.9%, other Malian 6.1%, from member of Economic Community of West African States 0.3%, other 0.4%.

[12] Women's literacy rate (aged 15 and over) is significantly lower than that of men: female 22.2%, compared to male 45.1% (2015 est.).

Women's health is negatively impacted, although the government provides subsidised medical care to children as well as adults of both sexes.

Studies conducted by UNICEF have shown that out of 1200 women who get pregnant each day, 230 experience complications and 20 die.

[15] Early marriage, lack of family planning, very high fertility, and female genital mutilation contribute to women's ill health.

[17] Generally, polygamous marriages increase the likelihood that women in Mali experience more than one form of interpersonal violence.

[17] Polygamous marriages in Mali are reported to have weaker communication where women often experience jealousy and neglect.

[17] Studies have shown varying results regarding the relationship between women's level of decision making, education, employment, and IPV.

Women are legally obligated to obey their husbands and are particularly vulnerable in cases of divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

[9] Article 2 of the Constitution of Mali states that "All Malians are born and live free and equal in their rights and duties.

Any discrimination based on social origin, color, language, race, sex, religion, or political opinion is prohibited", while Article 3 states that "No one will be put to torture, nor to inhumane, cruel, degrading, or humiliating treatment".

The police and the social services department in the Ministry of Solidarity and Humanitarian Action have investigated and intervened in some reported cases of child abuse or neglect.

The study noted that most cases of sexual exploitation went unreported and recommended that the country strengthen its laws to protect children.

[25] Female genital mutilation (FGM) is common, particularly in rural areas, and is performed on girls between the ages of six months to six years.

Most cases are not reported because of societal pressure, particularly due to the fact that the attackers are frequently close relatives and victims fear retaliation.

Spousal abuse is a crime, but police were reluctant to enforce laws against or intervene in cases of domestic violence.

[25] Sexual harassment occurs routinely, including in schools, without any government efforts to prevent it, and the law does not prohibit it.

While 48% of Malian women are engaged in agriculture, the vast majority may only access land to which men hold the primary rights.

[35] Mali is a source, transit, and destination country for adults and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking.

There are also women and girls from other West African countries, particularly Nigeria and Benin, who are exploited in prostitution and sex trafficking in Mali.

These women are often recruited with promises of legitimate jobs in Bamako but then exploited in sex trafficking throughout Mali, including in Chinese-run hotels, and especially in small mining communities.

[36] In 2008, the Tuareg-based human rights group Temedt, along with Anti-Slavery International, reported that "several thousand" members of the Tuareg Bella caste remain enslaved in the Gao Region and especially around the towns of Ménaka and Ansongo.

In Mali, increasing age, job stability of one's partner, and occupation in the agricultural sector raise women's employment security.

[38] Generally, regardless of the factors mentioned, women of childbearing age are discouraged from working and are expected to begin tending to family responsibilities.

They have a low compensation, showing a difference of over 30 percent in pay packages compared to their public sector male counterparts in 2001.

Additionally, their lack of education on proper conservation and processing leads to spoilage in seasons of high yield.

Aminata Dramane Traoré, author and political activist has served as the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Mali, coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme, and board member of the International Press Service.

Sidibé Aminata Diallo, a professor at the University of Bamako, is leader of the Movement for Environmental Education and Sustainable Development political party, and in 2007 became the first woman to stand for President of Mali as one of eight candidates in the April 2007 presidential election.