Thiaba Sembene is Program Manager at the Siggil Jigéen Network, a partner in the Bruits de Tambours project.
What is the role of the Siggil Jigéen Network in the Drumbeats project?
The Siggil Jigéen Network is an implementing partner responsible for contributing to the project's objective: promoting participatory and inclusive democracy for women and young people by raising questions and sparking debate about individual behaviors and social norms, and by developing the target groups' capacity for action. To ensure this work is carried out, I support the coordination of activities at the central level and one person is on the ground to implement community activities. In practice, the Siggil Jigéen Network, in partnership with NGOs 3D and Equipop, carries out field activities: from mapping, which provides an overview of the participation of women and young people in Saint-Louis, to social and collective mobilization actions for target groups, who are trained on the project's themes.
What are the main obstacles to women's civic participation?
On the one hand, they are cultural: the weight of cultural prejudices and perceptions regarding the role of women, and in particular the fact that family responsibilities fall mainly on women, are obstacles to their civic participation. On the other hand, women lack training in citizenship and governance, as well as financial resources and solidarity networks. Despite the adoption of the law on parity, they are underrepresented in local governance bodies such as neighborhood councils, health development committees, and municipal council offices.
How do you see the future of Bruits de Tambours in Senegal and the sub-region?
The future of Bruits de Tambours looks promising in Senegal and the sub-region, as the issue of governance is relevant to all segments of society (civil society, government, trade unions, etc.). Furthermore, the chosen target audience, namely young people and women, represent more than half of the population but do not participate fully in the management of the city. This project combines research, information and communication, and technical and financial support for the full participation of young people and women in the management of public resources. Its working methodologies, reflecting an innovative and integrated approach, can also be used for social mobilization in other localities, on other scales, and even on different themes.
