Written by: Dominique Chauvet-Staco
At the core of Tostan’s Community Empowerment Program (CEP) is the Community Management Committee (CMC)—a democratically elected group of 19 members, predominantly women, who take the reins of leadership to guide and sustain the development initiatives launched during the program. These women are not just leaders but the heart of the community’s progress, driving lasting change long after Tostan’s formal involvement ends.
When I returned to Soudiane after seven years, I could hardly believe the transformation. The dusty path I remembered had given way to a paved road, and solar-powered street lamps now illuminated key intersections. A mosque and a church stood side by side, reflecting the community’s commitment to inclusivity and harmony. These changes weren’t just physical; they were symbolic of the spirit of unity and progress fostered by the people of Soudiane.
Under the sprawling shade of a baobab tree, I sat with the CMC members—women who were mothers, sisters, and grandmothers, but most importantly, stewards of a shared vision for their village. This vision was boldly displayed on their community vision board, a roadmap of dreams created by every voice in the community. On it was the drawing of a paved road lined with street lamps and a heart, a powerful representation of their collective journey toward solidarity and well-being.
Through an interpreter, the women shared their experiences of leadership, their challenges, and their triumphs. They spoke of the training that they received in project management, small business development, and financial planning. They had become adept at facilitating income-generating activities, securing microcredit to support local families, and advocating for larger infrastructure projects.
One of their proudest accomplishments was bringing those solar-powered street lamps to their village. They recounted how this ambitious project began with a daunting challenge: convincing local government officials to prioritize their request. With the men at work, the women of the CMC took charge, forming a delegation to present their case. After months of persistence, meetings, and negotiations—helped by a connection to a local female councillor from their village—they succeeded. The government not only listened but also partnered with the community, impressed by the women’s resolve and their willingness to invest some of their own funds into the project.
The day the lamps were installed was a day of joy and celebration in Soudiane. For the women, it wasn’t just about lighting the streets; it was about illuminating the path toward a brighter future.
The CMC has become an unstoppable force in Soudiane, advancing women’s leadership, promoting health and education, and advocating for the abandonment of harmful practices like female genital cutting and child marriage. These women are not only reshaping their community but also inspiring others to follow suit.
As I reflected on my time with the women of Soudiane, I realized that their greatest achievement wasn’t the physical infrastructure or the economic progress—it was the shift in how they saw themselves. From silent observers to vocal leaders, they have redefined their roles and reshaped their futures.
The women of Soudiane are living proof of what happens when development is driven from within the community itself. Their achievements highlight not just the incredible power of grassroots leadership but also how Tostan’s approach to sustainable development is different than any other.
Unlike traditional models that impose external solutions, Tostan’s method empowers communities to lead their own transformation, using their own values, strengths, and shared vision for the future. This ensures that progress is not only meaningful but also lasting.
By supporting Tostan, we’re championing a different kind of sustainable development—one that is driven by local needs and local leadership and where knowledge, dignity, and collaboration create the foundation for long-term success.
Together, we can empower more communities like Soudiane to shape brighter, self-sustaining futures for generations to come.
