Studies in order

The village of Abéné is located in the commune of Kafountine, in southwestern Senegal, in the Casamance region, not far from the border with Guinea-Bissau. With approximately 3,000 inhabitants, Abéné is a rural community where fishing, agriculture, and a burgeoning cultural tourism sector are the main sources of income. Despite its local dynamism, the village continues to face precarious living conditions, limited access to infrastructure, and significant vulnerability among women, particularly young girls. In this region, as elsewhere in Senegal, girls' absenteeism from school during menstruation is a major obstacle to their education. At the Abéné Vocational Training Center (CFP), the proportion of young women, estimated at 47 at the start of the program, drops to approximately 30 by the end. This disengagement is partly due to a lack of access to suitable menstrual hygiene products, insufficient information about the menstrual cycle, and persistent social taboos. In response to this situation, the Kafo'Saze association, active in the community since 2014, collaborated with the teaching staff of the vocational training center (CFP) on a project to produce washable sanitary pads, in partnership with local health centers and the town hall. This project aims to improve the educational conditions of girls while generating income for students in the sewing program. It aligns with the national priorities of the Ministry of Health and Social Action regarding menstrual health. By combining education, awareness-raising, and economic empowerment, this initiative contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for girls in the region.