Mission

Grandmother Project's mission is to promote the health, well-being and rights of women and children in developing countries through grandmother-inclusive and inter-generational programs that build on communities' cultural values and resources. To carry out our mission, we work on two levels: With Communities: we work directly with both rural and urban communities to develop, document and evaluate innovative approaches to social change. With Development Organizations: we build the capacity of other organizations, in Senegal and elsewhere in West Africa, to implement programs using our Change through Culture approach. Why Grandmothers? Because we want long-lasting change in African communities. Grandmothers have great influence and authority in families, and both women and men follow the advice of their mothers and mothers-in-law as a sign of respect. Grandmothers are an important resource for change when it comes to women and children, and especially girls. Grandmother Project works with both rural and urban communities to improve the lives of women, girls and all children using an innovative Change through Culture strategy. This approach uses individual, community and cultural strengths to promote positive change, by: *Building on cultural values and assets, such as the knowledge and experience of elders; *Creating consensus for change through dialogue; *Strengthening communication between generations; *Empowering leaders and groups to improve community well-being.