USAID 60th anniversary
Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in Senegal
USAID has been in Senegal since the passing of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which effectively established the Agency to combine the efforts of various foreign assistance programs. For these past six decades USAID has worked together with Senegal and its development partners to create sustainable solutions to economic challenges. A key component to this partnership is to encourage and support the economic growth of women to improve the everyday lives of Senegalese families. In celebration of the 60 year anniversary of USAID in Senegal, the stories of eight women who have benefited from USAID activities and projects in the country are featured.
Tony Sarré, from the shy to the fierce entrepreneur in Senegal
Tony Sarré is a member of the “Best of us” 4-H Senegal club since 2016, part of the Positive Youth Development Program of the Feed the Future Senegal Youth in Agriculture Project. The 4-H clubs have a mission to engage youth to help them reach their full potential. In 2020, she co-founded the company AM SAMA Style with her older sister. The company produces apparel for men and women, accessories and, face masks, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She heard about the “Best of us” 4-H Senegal club through a friend who told her of all the benefits of the program and how it helps build leaders. She had many projects, dreams and ideas but had difficulty bringing them to fruition since she was so shy. 4-H gave her the confidence that made her realize she could do anything she puts her mind to. She explains, “I was very shy at first, but thanks to the club’s program and activities, I was able to conquer my fears of speaking in public, expressing my ideas and innovating!”
Tony was motivated and got the courage to take part in a management and leadership contest through which she won a placement in a leadership training program. Following that experience, she decided to take a step forward and launched the AM SAMA Style business. Tony and her sister were able to make a profit of 510,000 FCFA (almost $1,000 USD), from September 2020 to March 2021. They have two employees and have plans to hire women from the area as their business grows.
USAID is committed to supporting the growth of Senegal’s economy through programs such as those featured here, that provide opportunities to increase productivity, competitiveness, and investments in emerging and growing markets. Prioritizing the skill building in entrepreneurship and business management of women, in particular, has a cumulative effect contributing to the well-being of children, families, and communities, and maximizing the effect of USAID programming. Additionally, USAID facilitates engagement opportunities among our partners in the private sector. These creative partnerships, coupled with innovative financing and production solutions, have resulted in the growth of successful and sustainable businesses of these women, and countless others.
