ECOWAS officials exchange views with Senegal’s Minister for the Family on the project to build a sanitary napkin manufacturing unit in Senegal.

On Tuesday, January 07, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission’s Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, through the CCDG, held a consultation meeting on the project to build a Hygienic Napkin and Diaper Manufacturing Unit in Senegal, at the premises of the Ministry of Family and Solidarity in Dakar, Senegal.

This important meeting was initiated by the Honorable Commissioner Fatou SOW SARR, accompanied by the Director of the CCDG, the Director a.i. of Legal Affairs and the Director of Administration and General Services of the ECOWAS Commission.

The ECOWAS delegation was first received in audience by Her Excellency Madame Maimouna DIEYE, Minister of Family and Solidarity of the Republic of Senegal, who praised the excellent cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission through the Gender Promotion and Women’s Empowerment programs. The Minister reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to working to consolidate progress for women.

Taking advantage of this audience, Commissioner Fatou SOW SARR presented her department’s new approach, which consists in creating a global ecosystem to improve ECOWAS programs in favor of gender equality and women’s empowerment. She also highlighted the project to build a sanitary napkin and diaper manufacturing unit in Senegal for schoolgirls and women affected by obstetric fistula, as well as diapers for the elderly.

Following this audience, a technical meeting was held to define the guidelines and identify the priorities to ensure the success of this ambitious project, which will not only help improve access to feminine hygiene products, but also strengthen local entrepreneurship. During the meeting, the Ministry of the Family and Solidarity of the Republic of Senegal reaffirmed its firm commitment to supporting this initiative, which is essential for the well-being of women and girls in Senegal.