Report of Women's day in Diakhao

Not only was March 8 International Women’s Day all over the world, but a key date in the calendar of all women in Senegal. World Vision activated a day long campaign to highlight and advocate the burning issues of early marriage, teenage pregnancies and the rural exodus of young women.

The focus was on combating early marriages and pregnancies and on curbing the worrying incidences of rural out-migration of young girls to seek menial work in cities instead of pursuing their studies. March 8 events were hugely important in addressing issues that hinder the emergence of women and deprive them of opportunities to become potential future leaders.

In celebrating this women’s day, World Vision organized communal advocacy events in Diakhao, faciliatating all party discussions; giving women, young girls, AEMO officials Educational Actions in Open environments) and the presiding regional court judge of Fatick, the opportunity to put forward their causes and cases for discussion and arguementplead the causes. A symbolic procession was also organized to deliver a memorandum to the Deputy Prefect.

The Honorable Aminata Diallo, member of Parliament, President of the Network of Parliamentarians against abuse and violence against children (PEVA) honored World Vision by accepting to chair this event in the presence of other prominent women, helping to champion the struggle at  national level alongside women of the neighbour municipalities. The Mayors of Diakhao and other municipalities were also present; Patar, Mbella, Tiaré, Ndiod and the Deputy Mayor of Diawlé.

The following gallery of images gives a sense of the day’s atmosphere and activities: