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 fulfil 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
Empowered CMC leads the way to sustainable health for women and children in Song Kunda!
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb is ever so fitting to Song Kunda, a remote village located in the Upper River Region, Kantora District, and one of the first villages in the Gambia to participate in...
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Tostan awarded 4-star rating by Charity Navigator in 2019
Tostan has attained a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. This is the highest possible rating from the leading nonprofit evaluator in America. It indicates that...
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Tostan joins Melinda Gates’ Moment of Lift: Scaling Wellbeing for Women and Girls in Three Countries
For media enquiries, please contact SuzanneBowles@Tostan.org In her much awaited first ever book “The Moment of Lift,” Melinda Gates identifies Tostan Founder, Molly Melching, as a quiet hero and one of her teachers. She credits her with imparting the...
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On this #DayOfTheGirl, Tostan joins Senegal's National Coalition on ending child marriage in wishing all girls a life in which their vision of well-being is achieved and they realize their full potential! Abandoning practices such as child marriage is possible, we have witnessed it in thousands of our partner communities across Senegal and West Africa.
#TeelNa
“If I feel we are moving forward respectfully and peacefully, I am never afraid, and will continue with confidence and patience. But that for me is not courage - just determination and perseverance.”
- Molly Melching
In their latest book “The Book of Gutsy Women”, Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton share the stories of the resilient women who have inspired them. We are proud that our founder, Molly Melching, is featured in the book in light of her dedication, through #Tostan, to promoting Human Rights and empowering women across communities in West Africa.
#Gutsywomen
Female genital cutting can end: Nigerian activist Olachi Ojimadu
Female genital cutting can end: Nigerian activist Olachi Ojimadu
Ola’s organisation now work with community members to champion their own development and lead conversations to end female genital cutting.“The knowledge I acquired at Tostan greatly influenced my decision to vie for a political office as a candidate for the position of National Women Councilor for my area...During the campaign, I was able to face and mobilize women to vote for me and I won, thanks to Tostan. Most interesting thing is that, all the other six women councilors that won the seat to the council from URR [Upper River Region] were all previous participants of Tostan CEP classes.”
- Ms. Fatoumatta Jabbie, former Tostan Facilitator and current National Women’s Councilor for Fulladou East, Basse, The Gambia.
Former President Jimmy Carter has been a role model and true inspiration for all of us at Tostan. On his 95th birthday, the entire staff of Tostan would like to express our deep gratitude and our sincere wishes for a very happy birthday. #dignityforallHappy 95th Birthday, President Carter! Thank you for nearly four decades of bringing peace, health, and hope to millions of the most vulnerable people in the world.
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