The Network of Women Professionals in Water and Sanitation of Senegal (RFPEAS) organized an event on Thursday, December 4, 2025, combining the celebration of World Toilet Day (November 19) and World Handwashing Day (October 15). The activity, held at the Seydina Issa Rouhou Lahi High School (formerly the Parcelles Assainies High School), aimed to raise awareness among students and the educational community about the importance of hygiene, safe access to sanitation facilities, and the sustainable management of sanitation services.

This citizen initiative, welcomed by the stakeholders present, aims to promote public health, the well-being of students and the prevention of diseases related to poor hygiene.

Ms. Yaye Fatou, president of RFPEAS, elaborated on the choice of location: "We chose this high school because a specific sanitation problem was reported to us by ONAS and we wanted to contribute."

To mark this day, the network distributed 28 handwashing kits, including bar soap, liquid soap, handwashing stations, and other essential equipment. The aim is to reinforce the importance of good hand hygiene, considered the first line of defense against many diseases.

Since its creation in 2017, RFPEAS has been increasing its field activities, notably by supporting schools (such as Lycée Kennedy during the Covid-19 pandemic). Ms. Yaye Fatou summarized the importance of the sector by stating: "Providing water is giving life. And sanitation is preserving human dignity."

The decision to raise awareness among students is not insignificant, because "Each student who is made aware becomes an ambassador within their family and community," thus highlighting the importance of education as a driver of lasting change. The president also took the opportunity to encourage young women to pursue careers in science and in the water and sanitation sector.