8 March as Celebrated in Djeol 2003

This year saw the 1st annual (hopefully) International Women’s Day celebration in the town of Djeol – at least since the events of 1989. Before that, I am told 8 March was celebrated by the entire commune but then they went to Kaédi for a hug day of celebration.

As a first time we started small and with the aid of a couple of teachers and one very active member of the town’s youth group, PCV Miranda D. organized a march. It began at one of the three primary schools with 100 or so female students wound through the principle streets hitting all quarters and mounted through the market to wind up a the marie having gathered several hundred more young women on the way.

Once at the maire, although it was Saturday, the girls were received by the mayor, his secretary general, and several other notable members of the society about a dozen in all. A speech was then presented explaining what women’s day was for and how it came about. Several of the notables responded with positive remarks about the importance of the day and our initiative. Some women also spoke. The mayor expressed his intent to send a report of the activities to the governor.

The evening was celebrated by a “figirde” – live drum music to which several hundred young girls and women danced. As the evening drew to a close a microphone was produced and colomen sang locally composed songs. A poem was read about the importance of women, and some commentary on women’s rights, notably to continue school was made.

There were many pleased people and many people with suggestions for improvement. Hopefully next year with a greater understanding of the day and what it means the women of Djeol will surpass this year’s event and it will become an annual tradition.

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