Because I am a Girl

Review of the project

Education and income are the cornerstones of poverty reduction. Without knowledge, income-generating skills and access to financial services, children and their families can get trapped in the struggle to meet basic needs – a struggle that stifles hope and opportunity for a better future.

 Plan works with thousands of communities around the world to end this struggle. We know that building schools and establishing community-led microfinance groups are effective means of overcoming extreme poverty.

These activities are taking place in the project you are supporting in Senegal. Thanks to your generous gift, girls, boys, women and men are moving forward with greater confidence in themselves and their futures. This confidence comes from solid new infrastructure, committed local leadership and strong community cooperation.

Now moving into its third year, this initiative has achieved significant results over the past two years. We are pleased to provide you with a report on these successes which will pave the way for continued development and greater impacts.

Increasing Income

Over the past two years, 156 Village and Savings Loan Associations have formed, composed of 3,717 members (99% women). All these groups were initiated by local field agents who are familiar with the communities and have been trained in VSLA methodology and supervision. These field agents are recruited by Plan’s local partner, APROFES (Association for the Advancement of Senegalese Women)

Gender Equality

As a project focused primarily on women and girls’ education and economic empowerment, it is essential that activities and processes fully integrate principles of gender equality. To make sure this occurs, Plan Senegal conducted a gender analysis to identify the overall state of gender equality within the country, as well as key gender barriers that may affect the project’s success (such as men feeling uncomfortable with women leading VSLAs and making financial decisions). Based on this analysis, a gender equality strategy and action plan was developed to ensure that the project includes specific actions that enable opportunities for girls, boys, women and men. Specific to the VSLA program, these actions include:

• Raising awareness among communities (especially men, village chiefs, VSLA members and local authorities) through radio programs and public performances on promoting equal access to and control of economic resources between women and men
• Training women to challenge gender stereotypes on education and microfinance, and building their confidence and skills to take up leadership and decision-making roles related to managing money and leading meetings
• Including gender equality conversations within financial literacy training to encourage male and female VSLA members to better understand and engage in financial matters together. This will create space to discuss and reflect on financial access and control dynamics within their households

Thank you!

Thank you for helping to improve education and economic security for children and their families in Senegal. Much has been accomplished over the last two years, setting the stage for continued progress and lasting change as the project moves forward.