Educate girls and fight poverty in Senegal

This summer, WGEP Senegal brought community members together in the village of Ndiongone Ndiack, near Sokone, for an important conversation about preventing child marriage. The meeting was organized as part of an action plan developed by Karang change agents in response to a challenge that continues to affect girls in the village and surrounding rural communities.

The gathering included the village chief, the Imam, a primary school representative, women’s group leaders, young people, parents, and other community members. Together, they discussed the consequences of child marriage and the importance of supporting girls to remain in school.

Following an introduction from WGEP Senegal Coordinator Khady, the change agents performed a theatrical scene illustrating how child marriage can lead to school dropout, health complications, increased exposure to violence, and fewer opportunities for girls.

The performance encouraged an open and thoughtful discussion about the role families and community leaders can play in protecting girls, supporting their education, and helping them pursue their goals.

Participants pledged to continue raising awareness within their families and throughout the community. They also emphasized the need for more open conversations about girls’ health and sexual education—topics that are still considered taboo in many rural communities.

The village chief praised the change agents and WGEP Senegal’s Our Sisters Lead program, noting that community meetings can help prevent early pregnancy and child marriage.

“When a girl is in school today, tomorrow she will be an independent woman and an agent of development, because girls are more engaged than boys these days.”

A community health worker also shared her appreciation for the meeting and emphasized the importance of holding these conversations within the village. She described how painful it is to see academically gifted girls forced to leave school for early marriage and expressed hope that similar awareness activities will continue.

Through community-led dialogue, youth advocacy, and the support of trusted local leaders, WGEP Senegal is helping communities recognize the value of girls’ education and take action to protect their futures.

Your support makes it possible for young leaders to raise awareness, challenge harmful practices, and create communities where girls can remain in school and pursue their dreams.

Links:

• http://www.womensglobal.org