Malika is a densely populated suburb of Dakar, Senegal. Women here are particularly affected by poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence. The project strengthens women in Malika economically, builds their self-confidence and decision-making power, and improves their access to health services as well as to protection and counselling structures in cases of violence.
Many women in West Africa – especially in urban outskirts like Malika – are unable to make autonomous decisions about their own health. Studies by UN Women show that access to sexual and reproductive rights is often limited: contraceptives are difficult to obtain, medical care is expensive or far away, and decisions about women’s own health are frequently made by others. In Malika, these challenges are particularly evident. Social norms, limited educational opportunities, and economic dependency severely restrict women’s self-determination. Gender-based violence is widespread — in intimate relationships, within families, in public spaces, and at work. Protection mechanisms and support services exist only in rudimentary form and are rarely used, often out of fear of stigma.
The project addresses these root causes by combining economic empowerment, access to health services, and protection from violence within an integrated model. Only when women are economically independent, have access to healthcare, and are protected from violence can they live self-determined lives.
Through training, counselling, and access to production resources and start-up capital, women are supported in launching small businesses or expanding existing initiatives. This economic independence increases women’s income, self-confidence, and social standing within their families and communities. As a result, their ability to resist violence and make autonomous decisions grows. At the same time, they contribute more actively to the nutrition, education, and health of their families — creating a powerful lever for social change.
The Maison de la Femme, an existing centre for the women of Malika, will be further developed into a key hub for empowerment. It brings together women’s associations, offers training sessions, and supports women in founding and managing production groups. In addition, it serves as a platform for exchange, collective organisation, and advocacy.
Building on an existing savings initiative, the women are developing a model for a self-managed savings and credit cooperative. The revenues generated from their economic activities are not only reinvested to strengthen their livelihoods but also channelled into prevention measures and support for survivors of violence.
Das Projekt setzt bewusst auf Vorbilder: Unternehmerinnen, Gemeinderätinnen und Frauen aus der Community werden als Multiplikatorinnen gestärkt. Gleichzeitig werden auch männliche Bezugspersonen eingebunden. Durch ihr Engagement helfen sie, traditionelle Rollenmuster zu hinterfragen und neue soziale Normen zu etablieren.
Partner organisation
Intermondes
Project duration
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
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