Empowering Girls in Senegal

Senegal’s first elite boarding school for girls is a beacon of hope in a country where patriarchal norms still dominate. Founded in 1985, the Mariama Ba school on Goree Island has made a significant impact in promoting girls’ education and challenging traditional expectations.

Ndeye Awa Diop, a 19-year-old student, shares her inspiring story of transformation. As a shy and timid child, she was homeschooled and expected to follow traditional roles. However, when she was accepted into the school, her life took a dramatic turn.

Diop recalls being shy and hesitant, but with the support of her classmates and teachers, she blossomed into a confident and ambitious young woman. Today, she is the president of the student council and aspires to become an international business lawyer.

The school’s rigorous academic program, combined with extracurricular activities such as art, sports, and talks with successful women, has helped Diop and her peers develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed. The school’s 100% completion rate is a testament to its effectiveness in empowering girls.

However, despite the progress made, Senegal still faces significant challenges in promoting gender equality. Women own only 2% of agricultural land, and they make up the majority of people without formal work arrangements. The country’s laws, which prohibit women from being heads of households, also contribute to the perpetuation of patriarchal norms.

Experts, such as Maissa Abdellaoui, a girls’ education specialist with UNICEF, emphasize the need for systemic change to address the root causes of inequality. Abdellaoui highlights the importance of providing equal access to education and economic opportunities for girls and women.

The Mariama Ba school serves as a model for girls who are hesitating or think it’s impossible to climb the ladder. Headmistress Ramatoulaye Diagne Sarr emphasizes the importance of discipline and empowerment in preparing girls for leadership roles. The school’s alumni association plays a crucial role in mentoring and supporting graduates as they pursue their careers.

Matel Sow, the 27-year-old head of the alumni association, shares her inspiring story of transformation. As a village girl from eastern Senegal, she was initially hesitant to attend the school, but her father eventually supported her decision. Today, she is a graduate of the prestigious Cheikh Anta Diop university in Dakar and works as an associate at the International Budget Partnership.

Sow’s story is a testament to the power of education in empowering girls and women. However, experts emphasize that more needs to be done to address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate patriarchal norms in Senegal.