Halimatou Dia, a sociologist specializing in arts and culture and founder of Haleema, details the ambitions of Creative F, a program dedicated to the training and economic empowerment of women. Focusing on digital technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership, she advocates for an inclusive approach, particularly for rural women, who remain largely excluded from the digital transformation.

Tell us about the Creative F program?

As Haleema is a company situated at the crossroads of cultural and creative industries, digital technology, agroecology, and women's entrepreneurship, it is within this context that I recently launched the Creative F project, dedicated to training women in various professions, including digital technology, cultural and creative industries, and agri-food processing. Creative F is a national, structuring program for women's economic empowerment.

What are the expected results in the short and long term?

Our ambition is to foster a generation of women leaders who are productive, innovative, and financially independent. Specifically, we aim to train 5,000 women nationwide, structure regional women-led value chains, and establish a national network of women producers and leaders over a three-year period. We are open to all forms of collaboration: with the government, the private sector, and NGOs. Given the national scope of the program, partnerships are essential to achieving our objectives.

Why was Tivaouane chosen for the launch of the program?

Beyond my personal connection to Tivaouane, the women of this area possess strong entrepreneurial potential. They are dynamic, but often lack structure and support. This makes it a logical starting point for fostering a robust dynamic.

How does Creative F contribute to women's economic empowerment and leadership?

The program places particular emphasis on women's leadership, through training in personal development, leadership, and personal branding. The goal is to help women assert themselves, unlock their potential, and strengthen their ability to lead and undertake projects.

What types of women are targeted by the program?

The program is open to a wide range of profiles: entrepreneurs, business owners, homemakers, etc., primarily aged 18 to 35. The main criterion remains the motivation to learn and put the acquired skills into practice.

What role does digital technology play in Creative Fair?

Digital technology is a central focus of the program. We train women in digital professions, digital marketing, digital entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. We will also introduce young women to fields such as robotics, the Internet of Things, and 3D printing. Innovation is at the heart of our approach.

What are the main digital challenges for women?

The main challenge remains the lack of understanding of digital fundamentals. There is an urgent need for awareness, but above all, for practical training. Without this, discussions about artificial intelligence or digital transformation remain abstract.

What solutions do you propose to address the digital skills gap?

We need to go beyond raising awareness and invest in training, particularly through centers dedicated to digital professions. We also need to develop accessible solutions adapted to local contexts.

How can we prevent rural women from being excluded from the digital transformation?

On the contrary, they should be a priority. They have enormous potential. For example, in livestock farming, simple digital tools can enable them to better manage their operations. We need to reach out to them, train them, and adapt solutions to their specific needs.

How do you perceive the place of women in decision-making spheres today?

Women remain underrepresented, particularly in the digital sector. To address this, it is essential to strengthen their skills. This is the key to enabling them to succeed and fully occupy their place in the workforce.

Does the current legal framework encourage this participation?

There has been progress, such as gender parity, but in practice, it remains limited to certain areas like the National Assembly of Senegal. In businesses, it is still insufficiently respected. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the enforcement of laws and improve the conditions of women.

A word on internet access and digital transformation in Senegal?

Progress is being made, particularly regarding internet access in Senegal. However, challenges related to infrastructure and resources remain. Digital transformation is underway, but it will require time and sustained effort.