Pikine-Nord Mayor Amadou Dialla.

Speaking at the opening session of one of The Challenge Initiative’s (TCI’s) program monthly coordination meeting, Amadou Diarra – Mayor of the Pikine-Nord commune in Sénégal – said the following about TCI’s impact on his community: 

 Since the inception of the city of Pikine in the TCI program, two significant developments stand out. The first aspect pertains to how TCI has successfully encouraged mayors to approach family planning (FP) in a novel way. Recognizing the significance of family planning as a community leader, given its direct correlation with the overall health of the population, involves creating budget lines and overseeing the implementation of impactful practices. This approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also fosters a holistic approach to community well-being. Empowering women through FP becomes an investment in a brighter, more sustainable future for my community, and I take pride in it today after releasing my first financial contribution for the year 2023.

 The second aspect involves the emphasis on involving me, as the mayor, with community stakeholders to actively participate in structured decision-making processes. This notably includes Joint Steering Committees and Coordination Bodies that enable involvement and understanding at the municipal and even inter-communality scale, thereby raising awareness across all sectors. This collective awareness aims to sensitize the population, making everyone a partner in addressing family planning issues.

TCI began supporting Pikine-Nord in March 2023.