Thiagar, Senegal – Under a blazing sun, a group of eight women are active in a rice field, adjacent to a market garden area. The burst of their laughter, accompanied by the singing of birds, illustrates their satisfaction with the day's harvest. Among them is Khady Diallo, dressed all in blue, who gives instructions to an attentive young employee.
President of the Economic Interest Group (EIG) Mame Malick DIAGNE, Khady is a successful rice farmer. She embraced this profession at the age of 20. “I quickly became passionate about agriculture, which is a family tradition,” she says. Within the GIE, Khady works closely with members of her family, including her younger sister, Awa. “I take charge of the agricultural sector, while Awa manages the processing unit, allowing us to produce quality rice that is beneficial for health,” adds Khady with a broad smile.
Awa Diallo, treasurer of the GIE, is responsible for processing and marketing rice at the GIE warehouse located in Ross Béthio, near the Mauritanian border, considered the breadbasket of the Senegal River Delta. Under the brand “Les Amazones”, this rice is very successful in the region. Proud of her journey, Awa recalls the challenges overcome: “I joined my sister in the fields in 2000. That year, unseasonal rains caused significant losses. But thanks to our determination, we took up the challenge to contribute to the economic development of our locality. »
Today, the GIE Mame Malick DIAGNE, supported by UN Women Senegal through the Support Project for Women in Agriculture and Sustainable Development financed by BNP Paribas, cultivates 20 hectares of rice, creates employment and actively employs 18 people as well as student interns. However, challenges remain regarding the marketing of their productions. “Recently, we are having difficulty selling our products outside our production areas,” explains Khady.
To effectively respond to this situation, UN Women Senegal launched a digital platform in December 2023 aimed at improving women farmers' access to information and markets. This year, products marketed by Khady and Awa will be available on Buy from Women, accessible at: www.buyfromwomen.sn.
Buying from women is a promise of action for their economic empowerment!
This story was written by Abdoulaye Mamadou SOUKOUNA, Communications and Knowledge Management Manager at UN Women Senegal, abdoulaye.soukouna@unwomen.org, +221771658323.
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