Dignity for All
Working together to strengthen human rights,
empower women and girls,
and foster community well-being
By facilitating the spread of human rights education and practical skills, Tostan provides rural communities with the knowledge and tools they need to determine their own futures and develop sustainably.
Areas of impact
The exciting social movement that arises from a holistic knowledge base.
66% of participants in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program are women and girls and the inclusion of women in decision-making is growing.
Dignity for all is attainable.
The support of Canadians is instrumental.
As Seen on PBS
Tostan on PBS: A Journey of Community-Led Change
This powerful PBS documentary shines a light on Tostan’s groundbreaking work to end female genital cutting through education and community empowerment. Featuring founder Molly Melching, this brief film traces her 50-year journey bringing human rights-based education to rural communities across West Africa. See how Tostan enables entire villages to drive lasting change, especially for women and girls, in health, human rights, and sustainable development. Don’t miss this inspiring story of what’s possible when communities lead.
Tostan unleashes potential
Long after participating in the Tostan program, communities continue to work towards their agreed-upon vision for a brighter future and continue to reach out to neighbours and their extended family to promote positive change.
Tostan has empowered thousands of communities like Soudiane to achieve breakthrough results in 8 African countries. Tens of thousands of women now hold leadership positions, and hundreds of thousands have embraced democracy and human rights.
The Story of Keur Simbara’s Breakthrough for Women and Girls’ Wellbeing
In 2016, ByKids helped Ndeye Fatou Fall tell about the profound changes that occurred in her community, Keur Simbara, thanks to Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program. In her own breakthrough story, ‘Walk On My Own’, she recounts what it means to grow up in the first generation of women free from female genital cutting and child marriage. Here, Ndeye Fatou and other women from Keur Simbara share their experiences and talk about their aspirations for the future of young women in their community, their country of Senegal and beyond.
Leading with Dignity in The Gambia
Democracy and human rights are at the heart of Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP), and it is a message that resonates. Hear from women leaders in The Gambia who have participated in the CEP, have stepped up to take the lead, and are now creating a brighter future for their communities.