In Senegal, as in many other parts of the world, women have slimmer change of entering the job market and when they do find employment, it is often in precarious, low-paying positions within the informal economy. According to UN Women, 33% of Senegalese women are employed but still live below the poverty line. Financial exclusion from banking and formal institutions, together with low literacy rates, insufficient savings, lack of financial skills and knowledge of basic services, form obstacles that prevent them from achieving financial independence and becoming small business owners or entrepreneurs.
To address these challenges, GSIF supports the project JIGGEN JOGGAL! (Women Rise Up!), designed to improve the socio-economic status of vulnerable women in Senegal by lifting the obstacles that prevent them from achieving financial stability: through courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, sales techniques and agri-food production, women are trained to learn necessary skills and knowledge to engage in economic activities. For instance, they learn how to process and preserve fruits and vegetables for extended periods, as well as how to make syrups, juices and jam from local produce. By developing specific technical and business skills, participants are empowered to join the labour forces and gain access to various local markets to sell their products.
Another main component of the program is the micro-credit and saving groups, which provide women in vulnerable situations – in particular those at risk of sexual exploitation -, with financial literacy and skills, savings tools and access to basic services. Located in Mbou, Thiès and Dakar, these groups foster responsible and efficient use of money, encouraging safe and transparent saving and borrowing practices, and challenge societal norms that women are not expected to put money aside or have savings of their own.
To further foster entrepreneurship, the program provides participants with small “starter funds” that enable them to invest in their businesses. Women also collaborate within their savings groups to pool resources, purchase equipment, and improve the productivity of their income-generating activities. This cooperative model not only strengthens their economic stability, but also builds a supportive community where women can grow together.
When women are given the chance to play a larger economic role, society benefits it as a whole. Once empowered to start businesses, access loans and financial services, they can build independence, support their families and improve their overall living conditions. In a world where economic injustice disproportionately affects women and girls, GSIF stands committed alongside its partners in Senegal to unlocking professional and financial opportunities for women and girls to build sustainable livelihoods!
