PCVs and Senegalese women ride between the regions of Kolda and Tambacounda in 2003

"Tour des Femmes" is a seven day cycling campaign that highlights a specific theme relating to women. The 2002 bike tour promoted girls' education, while the 2003 bike tour focused on health education for women, emphasizing the role that education plays in reproductive health and the health of the entire family. A select group of Senegalese women, accompanied by PCVs, traveled the 250 km length of the tour as both the tour's moving billboard and as a testament to women's strength and independence. "Tour des Femmes" was organized by PCVs and funded through US AID, TOSTAN, SCOFI, and FHI.

A health talk along the route of the "Fouta Bike Tour"

PCVs in the region of Matam recruited 7 middle school aged girls to participate in a three day bike tour through five village. This "Fouta Bike Tour" promoted the importance of educating girls tin order for them to become healthier women. Peace Corps collaborated with TOSTAN, a local NGO, and regional health officials to disseminate information about the importance of women's health and girl's education. PCVs held a training for the particpating girls, facilitated by a local health worker knowledgeable in "Life Skills," about the importance of positive decision-making and education to their health. The purpose of this training was to prepare the girls to speak publicly in each villlage along the tour. The girls also learned about road safety and bike maintenance. Additionally, five midwives and fifteen village health workers were trained in maternal health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

A local village welcomes the "Tour Des Femmes"
PCVs and Senegalese girls during the "Fouta Bike Tour"