The National Network of Working Women of Senegal (RNFTS) continues its advocacy for the establishment of community nurseries adapted to local realities, with a significant milestone in Kaffrine.

The network's president, Fatoumata Bintou Yafa, recalled the central objective of this initiative:

"As part of our advocacy, we want to improve childcare by adapting it to local realities. Today, we are working at the community level."

After Mbour, Kaffrine is the second stop on this national tour. Ms. Yafa praised the quality of the exchanges with local stakeholders:

"We had fruitful discussions with local officials and we particularly thank the delegate for his commitment to setting up child-friendly reception facilities."

A participatory assessment identified the specific needs of working women in the region. The goal, according to the network's president, is clear: to enable women to better balance their professional and family lives.

"We want to see these nurseries set up to enable women to work in good conditions, to be productive and fulfilled," she insisted.

Ms. Yafa also praised the mobilization of local authorities and institutional partners: the mayor's representative, the neighborhood delegate, women leaders, and representatives of the Ministry of Family. The latter committed to raising awareness at all levels and setting up a monitoring committee to support the process of creating daycare centers.

Furthermore, the network president recalled another major demand of the movement: the extension of maternity leave by an additional month.

"Currently, the leave is two months after birth. We are advocating for it to be extended to three months. It is possible, and it will not result in additional costs for private companies. We hope that employers will support this initiative and that the measure will be adopted by the National Assembly," she said.

For her part, Mame Coumba Touré, regional coordinator of the RNFTS, recalled the importance of this approach for the women of Kaffrine:

"We met today at Kaffrine town hall to launch a plea for the creation of daycare centers in the municipalities. Kaffrine is the second municipality, after Mbour, to host this initiative. It is a very important action, welcomed by the entire population."

Finally, she wanted to congratulate the participants for their commitment:

“All the women in the room are determined and committed leaders, who warmly welcomed this initiative.”

This advocacy thus marks a significant step in promoting the well-being of working women and in enhancing the role of local authorities in the protection of early childhood.