Bitty Bocar Bâ WATT, a dedicated education advocate and longtime activist for promoting young girls, has released her debut literary work, "De l'ombre à la lumière: l'envol d'Aïcha." The 54-page book, published by Salam Imprimerie and prefaced by Dr. Djibril Diallo Falémé, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Forum des éducatrices africaines au Sénégal (FAWE-Sénégal). The story follows Aïcha, a young orphan who overcomes obstacles such as early marriage and motherhood to achieve excellence.
Through Aïcha's journey, Bâ WATT shares an "odyssey of dignity" that highlights the crucial role of supportive structures in empowering girls. The narrative is informed by inspiring figures and promotes a positive approach to masculinity. The book also commemorates three decades of FAWE-Sénégal's impact, marked by impressive results: between 1998 and 2005, the organization supported 100 young girls who all obtained their baccalauréat, and another 100 between 2006 and 2015 who excelled in fields such as engineering, medicine, and education.
As a secondary school teacher and former student of the École Normale Supérieure (now FASTEF), Bâ WATT has dedicated her life to knowledge transmission. A long-standing member of FAWE-Sénégal since 1998, she has held various positions, including point focal in Kaolack, project manager, and secretary executive, before joining the Council of Administration on May 20, 2026.
With expertise in pedagogical supervision, particularly at CRFPE de Dakar and the Direction de la Formation Continue du Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, Bâ WATT is now a consultant specializing in female leadership and the empowerment of vulnerable young girls. Her book conveys a message of hope, emphasizing that education remains a reliable lever for social transformation despite sociocultural challenges.
Bâ WATT calls for the perpetuation of actions benefiting future generations, in synergy with institutions and development partners. Her work is a testament to the organization's commitment to promoting girls' education and empowerment. Liboire SAGNA reported on the book's release.
The book launch marks a significant milestone in Bâ WATT's career and FAWE-Sénégal's three decades of advocacy for girls' education. By sharing her vision and expertise, Bâ WATT aims to inspire a new generation of leaders and change-makers in Senegal and beyond.
Key points
- The book "De l'ombre à la lumière: l'envol d'Aïcha" advocates for girls' empowerment through education.
- FAWE-Sénégal has supported over 200 young girls in achieving academic excellence over the past three decades.
- Bitty Bocar Bâ WATT is a dedicated education advocate with expertise in pedagogical supervision and female leadership.