Stories
By sharing regular stories and updates, everyone who is involved with Tostan Canada can remain connected.
Read about the experiences of our generous supporters, our dedicated team members, and most importantly, the communities who are making their vision for the future come alive.
Featured Posts
Highlights from my inspiring visit to The Gambia
Written by Kelly Baxter Greetings to all our Canadian donors and friends! I have just returned from my annual trip to West Africa for Tostan’s annual Board Meeting. This year we visited The Gambia, where, in addition to holding our board meeting, I had the privilege...
Fatoumatta Jabbie: A Strong Voice for Women in the Gambia
In West Africa, over 30,000 women who have participated in Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP) have become leaders in their villages and local districts. Fatoumatta Jabbie’s story illustrates the potential of women’s leadership when given opportunity, skills,...
Spotlight on Girls: The Marietou Law
Story by Penda Mbaye, Senior Program Officer in Dakar, Senegal Many years ago I was a facilitator of Tostan’s human rights-based education program, the Community Empowerment Program (CEP), in the small district of Hersent in Thiès, Senegal. There, I saw a 15-year-old...
Portrait of a Leader: Yama Bathia
A few years ago, Yama Bathia experienced gender-based violence in her own home. Since that day, she has worked hard to create a safe space for problem solving in her community of Bougnadou Manjaque and to challenge harmful social norms, such as female genital...
Celebrating the achievements of Marième Bamba Portrait of a pioneering leader
20 years ago, Marième Bamba's life changed in a way she had not expected. Growing up in a Bambara village in rural Senegal, her fate as a woman seemed decided when she was born; becoming a young bride, forgoing formal schooling, starting a family and caring for a...