CESO | SACO: Sharing a Lifetime of Experience

Gender Equality

CESO and the Committee to Fight Violence Against Women (CLVF,) address management issues to help the organization eliminate the concept of violence as an option for resolving domestic disputes.

In the town of Kaolack, CESO and the Economic Forum for Women Entrepreneurs in Kaolack (EFFEK) help women create and expand their own businesses, and teach them income-generating crafts.
Early marriage, illiteracy and poverty are common in Senegal: many women under the age of 19 find it difficult to refuse a husband chosen by their family as marriage can by seen as a symbol of high position in the country. Moreover, according to UNICEF, for every 100 men who are literate, only 60 women are. The National Center of Assistance and Training for Women (CENAF) works in different regions of Senegal to provide solutions to these issues; training women to become literate, find revenue and become educated about marrying their daughters and themselves at an early age. CESO and CENAF improve the centre’s operational efficiency and service delivery.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

CESO and the African Network for Integrated Development (RADI) work with small NGOs and women’s groups to improve their services and make them more accessible to the population. RADI itself promotes justice and education about issues in the country.

In Senegal, 1.2-million skilled workers represent 18% of the employed population. CESO and the Sthenos-Phanos Association for the Support of Local Initiatives (ASPAIL) train workers with new skills—from sewing, agricultural and fruit drying techniques, to tips for electricians. This will boost the country’s economy as the skills being taught are current and relevant to the local labour markets.

Construction and Civil Engineering

The Senegalese government plans to have electricity in 365,000 rural households before 2015, compared to 102,000 households at present. Currently in Senegal, only 5% of the rural population has access to electricity. Unfortunately, many of the local electric businesses are not able to compete against foreign companies for contracts to develop this electrical system as they often lack the organization, human resources and skills. CESO and the Federation of Electricity Sector Enterprises in Senegal (FESELEC), a branch of the National Union of Building and Public Works (SNBTP), work on these areas with local businesses, giving them a chance to compete and obtain the available government contracts.

Credit Unions

Credit Unions, also known as microfinance institutions, provide access to loans and financial services for those not served by mainstream banks because they are economically deprived, allowing them to take part in developing the nation. There are now a number of these credit services in the country, but many need to improve their abilities to adhere to national standards and to organize themselves effectively. CESO and the Senegal Crafts People’s Savings and Credit Union (UMECAS) strengthen credit unions which serve the needs of crafts people, and enable them to become financially stable and well-organized.