During a visit to the Matam region as part of National Women's Week, aimed at strengthening the mobilization of women around the issues of economic empowerment, Maimouna Dièye, the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, praised the mobilization of the North-East territorial hub, paying a vibrant tribute to the resilience of the women of Fouta.

During the meeting held in Ourossogui, which brought together administrative and territorial authorities, parliamentarians, decentralized state services, local communities, hundreds of women's organizations, and technical and financial partners, the minister shared with stakeholders the main theme of International Women's Day: "Rights, Action, Justice for all Women." This was a call to action for concrete and bold measures to improve women's living conditions while respecting their rights and dignity.

She noted that, alongside this theme, Senegal has decided to initiate discussions on the economic and social development plan: “Jubbanti Koom.” The national theme focuses on operationalizing this economic and social recovery plan, which empowers women at the grassroots level. According to the Minister, this plan reflects “a strong ambition to revitalize our economy, strengthen our sovereignty, and build shared prosperity for the benefit of all Senegalese men and women.” Aligned with the vision of the President of the Republic, championed by the Prime Minister, the Minister emphasized the importance of women’s full participation in the dynamics of Senegal’s economic and social recovery.

“As we know, it is clearly evident that a sustainable economic recovery will not be possible without the full participation of women. Development begins in homes, in markets, in fields, in workshops—where women work every day with dignity and courage.” “Women truly embody the economy, and every women’s group is a lever for transformation. Every micro-project led by a woman is a building block in the nation’s development. Local solutions implemented by women are the silent force of economic development,” asserts Maimouna Dièye. She explains that the “Jubbanti Koom” (National Recovery) will be built with women, strategic actors and the backbone of the national recovery.

Challenges to overcome

Nearly 58% of economically inactive people in certain regions, such as Matam, are women, reflecting the scale of the challenges they face in their economic integration. The Matam region occupies a strategic position in Senegal's economic transformation. In addition to strong potential in livestock farming and cross-border trade, the irrigable lands of the Senegal River Valley offer significant opportunities in fish farming, market gardening, and irrigated agriculture. Leveraging the region's abundant natural resources, the women, distinguished by their expertise and creative ingenuity, are laying the foundations for sustainable development every day, despite the numerous challenges they face.

Because, despite their commitment and the crucial role they play in the agricultural, pastoral and commercial activities that structure the national economy, difficulties are present.

With an estimated literacy rate of 24%, far below the national average, they have limited access to training, information, and economic opportunities. According to Maimouna Dièye, Minister of Family, Social Action, and Solidarity, these challenges are compounded by those specific to women entrepreneurs. She stated, "Difficulties accessing land remain a major obstacle for women to engage in agricultural production. At the same time, the low level of formalization of many women's organizations also limits their access to financing and public and private support programs. Several businesses face constraints related to packaging and product conditioning, which reduce the competitiveness of processing initiatives."

Faced with these challenges, the Senegalese government, through its ministerial department, has implemented the National Women's Empowerment Program, with a total budget of 28.8 billion CFA francs. According to the Minister, her ministry is committed to establishing automated production units to reduce workloads and tasks, facilitate compliance with production standards, improve access to quality packaging that meets standards, support the processing and promotion of local products, strengthen women's entrepreneurial skills, and ultimately facilitate market access and product distribution.

Renewing the MFASS's commitment to them, Maimouna Dièye urged the women of Fouta to take a new step in the professionalization of their economic activities.