Since we began, our human rights-based education program has reached more than five million people across eight African countries.
Women’s Empowerment
women have been selected into leadership positions in their communities, with many running for public office
Health
people live in communities that publicly declared their intention to end female genital cutting
Child Marriage
communities have publicly declared that their daughters will not marry before the age of 18
The Tostan Model
Our three-year, non-formal education program puts rural communities in charge of their own futures. We support our partner communities to define and fulfill their own vision for wellbeing, allowing them to create positive and lasting social transformation. Our approach is:
HUMAN RIGHTS BASED
Knowledge of human rights and responsibilities forms the foundation for learning
RESPECTFUL & INCLUSIVE
Information is shared in a non-judgmental and participatory way, using local languages
HOLISTIC & SUSTAINABLE
The program has impact across multiple issues, with sustainability at its core
Ndéye Fatou’s Story: Walk On My Own
In Walk On My Own, 13-year-old Ndeye Fatou Fall tells the story of her community in Senegal and the social transformation they have sparked to end harmful practices and ensure education, self-determination and wellbeing for girls and women.
News and Stories
Grassroots Systems Change Wisdom to Prevent COVID-19
Sub-Saharan Africa is in the early days of the regional spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, with currently just over 3,900 confirmed cases. The World Economic Forum, and others have warned that COVID-19 could intensify in regions that lack the infrastructure to plan...
An Update from Tostan About COVID-19
We continue to monitor the health risks and responses to the COVID 19 virus here in West Africa. Our shared work is more important now than ever, as we see direct correlations between community management, collaboration with government, and long-term health of...
When She Leads Everyone Succeeds: Tostan and Global Affairs Canada Announce Initiative for Women and Girls
6,000 women and girls in rural Senegalese villages will participate in Tostan’s Community Empowerment program thanks to a $3.9 million partnership with Global Affairs Canada. As Canada celebrates the “Year of Canada in Senegal,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited...
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In her #IWD interview with partner Cartier Philanthropy, Tostan Founder and Creative Director, Molly Melching emphasizes the importance of context when discussing #genderequality and why "listen and learn" leads to impact. cartierphilanthropy.org/en/news/molly-melchings-vision-on-equality
“Tostan’s strength is that local authorities accompany us wholeheartedly in this work, and it strengthens collaboration between Tostan, local officials, and communities.” -- Rose Diop, Tostan Senegal National Coordinator #DignityforAll
“Renforcer les capacités des femmes c’est de les autonomiser aussi. C’est promouvoir les droits des femmes et des enfants; c’est engager les communautés pour leur développement.” -- Kalidou Sy, Maire de Médina Yoro Foulah
“If today I am able to be Mayor it is because of Tostan. Those who elected me noticed my engagement and the work accomplished while I was a member of the CMC. For me this project is a huge source of pride.” -- Kaba Diao, Mayor of Bignarabe, former CMC member
“On veut promouvoir les droits des femmes mais ça ne veut pas dire qu’on veut laisser les hommes. Les droits humains concernent les femmes, les hommes, et les jeunes.” -- Rose Diop, Coordinatrice Nationale de Tostan Sénégal #DignityforAll
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