From October 24 to 27, 2026, FAWE Senegal marked a historic milestone by celebrating its 30th anniversary. Three days of activities, centered on mobilization, recognition, and the future, highlighted three decades of action in favor of girls’ and young women’s education, leadership, and empowerment.
The celebrations began on Saturday, October 24, with a large citizen walk for girls’ education, which brought together 1,000 participants starting from the Saint-Lazare Cemetery bridge in Dakar.
On Monday, October 26, a more intimate moment was dedicated to the presentation and signing of the book “De l’ombre à la lumière : l’envol d’Aïcha” (“From shadow to light: Aïcha’s flight”) by Mrs. Bitty Ba Watt, in the presence of Board members and partners.
The highlight of the festivities was the official ceremony and academic launch of the first cohort of the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation Program, held on Tuesday, October 27, at the Noom Hotel (Radisson) in Dakar, with 300 guests in attendance.
The official ceremony was presided over by Mr. Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Minister of National Education, who praised FAWE Senegal’s legacy and lasting impact. His presence, alongside Mr. Elisée Kamanzi, representing the Mastercard Foundation, demonstrated the institutional recognition and renewed support of partners for the organization. The Mastercard Foundation, a key partner in this new chapter, supports the program “Pathways to a Second Chance for Better Access to Higher Education for Vulnerable Young Women and Men.” This ambitious program, implemented over seven years (2024–2030) in ten African countries, aims to support 10,550 young people toward higher education and vocational training, including a first cohort of 350 young people in Senegal.
The ceremony was also an opportunity to pay vibrant tribute to the founders, former leaders, and historical partners through an exhibition entitled “Empreintes : 30 ans de FAWE Sénégal” and an awards ceremony.
The presence of FAWE Africa at this event was particularly symbolic, carried by Dr. Kékéli Jeannine Agounke, member of the FAWE Africa Board. Her participation reaffirmed the strength of the network and the importance of solidarity among national chapters and FAWE Africa.
“The story of FAWE Senegal is an inspiration for the entire network. The stronger our chapters become, the stronger the FAWE network as a whole becomes. We are proud of this legacy and we will continue to support and encourage initiatives that transform the lives of girls and young women across Africa,” declared Dr. Kékéli Jeannine Agounke.
This continental-level support was reinforced by the ongoing accompaniment of the FAWE Regional Secretariat, through the FAWE West and Central Africa Sub-Regional Office (FAWE WASRO), which worked alongside FAWE Senegal for the success of this event and for the implementation of the new program.
This technical and financial partnership is essential to guarantee the quality and sustainability of actions carried out on the ground.
By celebrating its 30 years, FAWE Senegal did not simply look back; it resolutely turned its gaze toward the future. The academic launch of the first cohort of the scholarship program embodies this renewed ambition: building paths of success and autonomy for young people, especially girls, young refugees, and persons living with disabilities, from the regions of Kédougou, Tambacounda, Kolda, Sédhiou, Ziguinchor, Matam, and Louga. Through mentorship, leadership, and employment preparation, FAWE Senegal continues to pave the way toward a future where every girl has the right to learn, develop her potential, and choose her future.
This 30th anniversary is not an end, but a new beginning, driven by the conviction that girls’ education is the most powerful engine for development in Africa.