Fenda Diao, will be attending middle school next year in Kolda, Senegal. For young girls in middle school, it is apparent that one of their biggest fears is arranged marriage and thus dropping out of school. Fenda has already voiced her opinion to her parents that she does not want to get married until she finishes her schooling.
On April 7, 2019 Penda Diao gave birth to her second child Habi Seydi in Kolda, Senegal. In a country where it is estimated that 92% of its population is Muslim, and polygamous marriages are legal, Penda is the second wife and her baby Habi was named after her husbands first wife.
In Senegal at 4pm, most women can be found watching Gangaa, an Indian television show. Most women in southern Senegal spend their days cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and going to the well. This is one of the few times that the women get to sit down and relax while using their solar power television.
Hothia Balde, left, and Ansata Diao get a little distracted while being taught prayers from The Quran on March 09, 2019 in Kolda, Senegal. While the women are watching Gangaa, Mamadou (not pictured) takes this time to look after the children.
Mariama Balde, and her husband Hogo Mballo, take their sheep and goats to graze in a field a couple of feet away from their home on Sept 6, 2019 in Kolda, Senegal. Along with Mariama and Hogo, their grandchildren enjoy to come help along the way.
Mariama Diao, has two children, Binta and Mamadou Mballo. She is married to Seckou Mballo who runs one of the bigger shops in a small town outside of Kolda, Senegal. Mariama’s first pregnancy had complications and with the help of Binta Sall, the head female nurse at the health post, Mariama was able to have a safe delivery.