HATÎCE ŞEXNA

Mauritania- Mauritania is a country situated in Northwest Africa on the African continents. The Mauritanian Women's Business Council (CMFA) develops projects for women to promote gender equality in the labor force. The association has also launched a campaign to raise awareness about women’s participation in the labor force. In the country, women can work in certain sectors, but they do not receive equal pay for their work, like in all countries of the world.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Fatima Mint Al-Fil, the head of the CMFA, said, “The council was established in 2017 to train women on specific topics, help them design projects and provide financial support to them. When it was established, the council determined a strategy for 2017 and 2020 to support women working in various fields dominated by men such as agriculture, fishing, farming etc. In 2020, the council determined a 5-year strategy for 2020 and 2025. Thanks to the strategy of the council, women have proved their presence in all sectors in the country.”

‘Women have not been empowered in the labor force’

Fatima Mint Al-Fil stated that they aim to promote women economic empowerment in the labor force. “Due to the reality of our society, women have not been empowered in the labor force; they could not participate in politics and social life. As the council, we aim to change the current situation. When we established the council. I was the only woman working in the food sector. I participated in many international conferences; however, I was the only woman participating in the conferences from my country while there were many women participating in the conferences from different countries. I thought that I should establish an organization to support women so that they can participate in international forums and conferences. Together with many women, we managed to establish our council.  Now, the council promotes women’s economic empowerment.”

‘Women’s economic empowerment must be prompted’

Fatima Mint Al-Fil received support from many young women to carry out activities of the council. “Now, the council has 1,700 women members. In Mauritania, women have organized themselves under the umbrella of the council despite all the obstacles. The council provides training courses for women. Women have the opportunity to prove their existence and skills in politics. The council has carried out many projects with the support of its partners in different sectors, including fishing, farming and agriculture.”

In 2022, the Mauritanian presidency announced the formation of a new government of 25 ministers, including four women. “Although women face many obstacles in participating in politics, four women hold ministries now,” Fatima Mint Al-Fil said. “Now, women cannot hold decision-making positions in the municipality of Ksar. Women need strategies empowering them in economy and politics. Women’s economic empowerment must be promoted so that they can participate in politics. Unfortunately, women are paid less than men for the same job.”