News & events
The Network of Women Librarians, Archivists and Documents Managers Senegal (Réseau des Femmes Bibliothécaires, Archivistes et Documentalistes, REFEBAD) held its second conference in Dakar
Date Added:6 May 2011
"Women and Development: Access to Information" was the theme chosen by the REFEBAD for his second conference on April 9 at the Dakar City Hall. The status of professionals in Senegal and the contribution of information professionals to development have been widely discussed.
Under the honorary presidency of Souleymane Ndene Ndiaye, Prime Minister of Senegal, the second annual conference of REFEBAD held at the Dakar City Hall, was attended by several government officials.
The President of REFEBAD, Fabèye Ndiaye, while thanking the government representatives for the efforts they were making to support archives and libraries, recalled the problems the profession was facing in Senegal (scarce financial and human resources, need for revising the status of professionals). These concerns were understood as the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister who attended the conference, reiterated the government's commitment to establish a committee to consider REFEBAD's preoccupations.
In the ensuing discussion the various papers presented by distinguished professionals and academics, put the emphasis on the important role that information can play in development. Concrete experiences relating to development and the use of scientific and technical information were presented, for example in the implementation of agricultural projects (micro-gardening, horticulture, etc.), among other initiatives. This particular case enhanced the role of information specialists supporting rural development, especially women who represent the most vulnerable part of society.
Prospects for partnerships, including the Association of Women Lawyers, were also envisaged during the conference.
As a prelude to this day, the REFEBAD had organized on 6 April 6 a ceremony to donate 1000 books to the Ouakam school library in Dakar.
These two REFEBAD days attracted a number of participants and had wide media coverage.
We hope that the next conference will be as successful as this one!
Have a look at the photo gallery.