In the heart of Casamance’s Niaguis, a small town in southern Senegal, Mariama Sonko has spent over three decades championing the financial independence of rural women through sustainable agriculture. Born into a farming family, she now leads Nous sommes la solution, a pan-African movement uniting more than 800 associations across eight West African nations.
a lifelong fight for women’s land rights
Mariama Sonko’s journey began with a deep sense of injustice. Growing up in a rural household, she witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers that prevented women from owning land, despite legal provisions. « Seeing the pressure on women ignited a fire in me, » she recalls. « I couldn’t stand by while they were denied their most basic rights. »
The loss of her father marked another turning point. Left to care for her ten siblings, her mother faced immense struggles to provide for the family. « I had to drop out of school in my first year of high school, » Mariama admits. « My uncles insisted marriage was a woman’s place. But I refused to surrender. »
At just 19, she defied expectations by securing a plot of land with a group of women. Though they were later evicted, her determination only grew. A decade ago, she achieved her goal: a 3-hectare experimental farm near Ziguinchor, where 30 women cultivate pesticide-free crops using only local seeds. « Today, over 100 women have their own bank accounts and savings, » she shares proudly. « They generate additional income through side ventures, and that fills me with pride. »
empowering women through seeds and solidarity
Mariama Sonko’s vision extends far beyond her farm. As president of Nous sommes la solution, she has mobilized 200,000 women across 10 West African countries, most of them illiterate. The movement promotes agroecology and the preservation of local seeds, advocating for food sovereignty without dependency on multinational corporations. « If we don’t organize, we risk becoming strangers in our own lands, » she warns. « Our work is about rebuilding seed capital, which is vital for African life and sovereignty. »
Her relentless efforts have yielded tangible results. Women in the movement have gained financial autonomy, with many opening individual bank accounts and investing in secondary income-generating activities. « When I see the progress, I am filled with pride, » Mariama reflects. « These women are not just farmers; they are leaders shaping their communities. »
From her experimental farm in Casamance to the broader West African region, Mariama Sonko continues to inspire change. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, solidarity, and the unyielding spirit of women who dare to reclaim their place in the world.
