Our Work in West Africa
Crossroads International is working in partnership with some of West Africa’s most dynamic and respected women’s rights groups and community economic development organizations. In recent years, West Africa has achieved greater political and social stability, but significant development challenges remain. The greatest obstacle to development in the region is poverty, with 60 per cent of the population living on a dollar or less a day. Crossroads’ projects support community economic development; increased participation of women in decision-making, and the rights of women and girls to live without the threat of violence. Crossroads also supports regional collaboration among West African partners to support the development of networks to coordinate and share resources and to develop strategies for tackling problems affecting people across the region.
Making Women’s Voices Heard in Ghana
A key Ghanaian civil society strategy to increase women’s rights is to create opportunities for women to take greater leadership in decision making all at levels including government.
Ghana’s Women Have Their Day in Court
In Ghana, one in three women experience physical abuse during their lifetime. Through the dedicated work of Women in Law and Development-Ghana (WiLDAF-Ghana), a Crossroads International partner, and other women’s groups across Ghana, abused women now have legal recourse: a law specifically criminalizing domestic violence was enacted in May 2007.
Creating Jobs in Bamako
Crossroads' partners develop innovative programs to provide youth with practical skills to find employment or establish small business that respond to reality of Mali’s economy.
Supporting Food Security in Niger
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. More than 80 per cent of the population makes a subsistence living from farming.Seasonal food insecurity is common, leaving already poor communities extremely vulnerable, particularly women and children.
Supporting Niger’s Small Scale Farmers
As market forces have driven down the costs of many food staples, European producers have flooded Niger’s market with agricultural products selling below cost. The impact on local farmers has been devastating.
Feminism hits the air waves in Senegal
Through its daily broadcasts, ALTERCOM promotes the rights of women, encouraging women to participate in development and featuring stories to raise consciousness of social justice and gender equality.
Breaking The Cycle Of Domestic Violence In Senegal
APROFES raises awareness of women’s rights including access to healthcare, education and poverty. APROFES also works to stop violence against women and provides counselling and support to victims of gender-based violence.
Working Together to Improve the Status of Women in Senegal
Over the last two decades, the women’s movement in Senegal has put the rights of women at the centre of public discourse. While women are making inroads, cultural norms and limited access to education continue to undermine the status of women. Gender-based violence remains widespread.
Confronting the AIDS Crisis in Togo
Togolese AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) are struggling to meet the needs of their communities following the suspension of contributions from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis over the government’s improper administration of funds in 2007.