In February 2025, a dozen Crossroaders prepared for the trip of a lifetime: The Charity Challenge. From February 10th to 20th, and after fundraising over $7,500, the participants visited partners, projects and community members all around Senegal, from Kaolack to Kedougou, and many regions in between.
Here is a trip summary from Susan Green, Chair of the Resilience Initiative at Crossroads.
| I am writing to you from rural Senegal, West Africa, where I am involved with the Crossroads International Charity Challenge. Crossroads collaborates with local partners in ten sub-Saharan African countries, focusing on the empowerment of women and girls, access to justice, economic development, and women’s leadership. Their goal is to combat poverty and advance gender equity for marginalized women and girls.
To put things in perspective, by 2030, it is projected that 90% of people in sub-Saharan Africa will experience extreme poverty, with women and girls being the most affected. An interesting statistic reveals that when 10% more girls attend school in these countries, there is a corresponding 3% increase in GDP. Strengthening Agricultural Adaptation
Starting with nothing in 2018, there are now 40 women who, through micro financing, buy plots of land and through training, learn good farming techniques, and through working together they are able to operate the most successful market garden in the country, purchase health insurance, new solar panels, and do repairs. The women are able to use their own money now to buy farming inputs, as well as purchase health insurance and open a pharmacy for malnourished children in the region. In addition to significantly improved economic stability and self esteem for the women, there are many fewer incidents of gender-based violence. Success on so many fronts! I also spent a week in Kaolack. These women have spent the last 40 years as volunteers developing far-reaching programs (through APROFES ) supported by partners like Crossroads International. They focus on reducing gender-based violence, improving women’s economic empowerment, health and managing the effects of climate change. These women are world class role models! They have built a Listening Centre where they can counsel and support women and children who have experienced abuse and violence and have over 330 micro-financing groups in villages and cities throughout the region with dozens of market gardens that are creating economic independence for women and their families. |
I spent a few days in rural areas learning more about the success and challenges of projects 
Spending time with women farmers engaged in market gardening and talking to adolescent school children learning about their sexual health, schooling and rights illustrates that quantifiable progress is being made. However, the challenges these women and girls face—such as gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, early marriages, and lack of education—remain significant. We must continue to work towards an equal, sustainable world for all through international cooperation.
Thank you for your continued support.
