The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG) marked International Women’s Day on March 5, 2025, at the Azalaï Hotel in Dakar. This year's celebration aligned with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. The event focused on women's rights to equality and justice in West Africa.
A formal ceremony featured the signing of a Partnership Agreement between ECOWAS and Senegal's Ministry for the Family and Solidarity. The agreement supports setting up a production unit for reusable sanitary towels in Senegal. This initiative aims to address the impact of sanitary towel shortages on girls' school attendance and support women affected by obstetric fistula and elderly individuals.
ECOWAS plans to build three production units for sanitary towels and reusable nappies in its region, including one in Senegal. The project aims to economically empower women and girls while promoting social protection. It will produce affordable sanitary towels, create jobs for women with obstetric fistula, offer work placements for young girls, and help prevent school drop-outs by providing appropriate hygiene products.
Environmentally, this initiative seeks to reduce non-biodegradable waste from disposable sanitary towels by offering reusable products suited to teenage girls and elderly people with incontinence issues.
The ceremony included attendees such as the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, Commissioner for Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Director of CCDG, Director of Gender Equity and Equality representing Senegal's Minister for Family and Solidarity, Regional Directors from UNFPA, UNFEMMES, GIZ representatives, sectoral ministries, civil society organizations, medical students, NGOs, and women's networks involved in elder care and obstetric fistula.
Students shared testimonials during the event. A call to action was launched to make these hygiene products available in schools, universities, and training centers.
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