Dakar, Senegal — As International Women’s Month is celebrated, the pivotal role of women in fostering Olympic values in Senegal is coming to light. The focus is on the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) and the Brevet Olympique Civique et Sportif (BOCS), a national initiative.
The legacy of the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games extends beyond sports, encompassing educational and cultural transformations. Aïchatou Diop, a swimming coach and volunteer, exemplifies the commitment of women in this transformative effort.
Diop is part of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, where she aids in inspiring a new generation to recognize the integral link between sports and personal growth. The BOCS programme, a cornerstone of the Games’legacy, is grounded in OVEP’s principles.
The objective is to impact 900,000 young individuals aged 9 to 15 across 11,000 schools by October. Women are instrumental in the BOCS’national implementation, contributing across various sectors, from project management to teacher training.
Fanta Diallo, the Engagement and Mobilisation Director for Dakar 2026, highlights gender parity in leadership and operational roles, emphasizing the active involvement of women in curriculum delivery and mentoring.
OVEP activities and clubs are being introduced in schools and community centers, including “toddler huts, “fostering Olympic values from an early age. The BOCS prioritizes equal access to sports, education, and leadership, with girls accounting for nearly half of the programme’s beneficiaries.
The educational impact is evident in the leadership roles girls assume and the improvements in public speaking and confidence they demonstrate. Cécile Faye, Director of the National Olympic Academy of Senegal, underscores the significance of women’s leadership in shaping young girls’autonomy and behavior.
Awa Ndao, an OVEP trainer, finds motivation in the smiles of children who feel valued through the programme, emphasizing the transformative power of women in creating inclusive environments.
The aim is to use the Olympic legacy as a catalyst for a better world, ensuring that the spirit of Dakar 2026 resonates long after the Games conclude.
Source: africa-newsroom
