Les Lingueres, the new Senegalese women's organization that wants to create cultural bridges in Catalonia

The lack of proper association spaces for Senegalese women prompted the creation of Les Lingueres , an organization born in late 2024 in Tàrrega . The association arose from the desire to give more prominence to women in the community, generate new learning opportunities and facilitate their active participation in the social life of the municipality.

Language learning, one of the main demands 

Education is one of the pillars on which the organization wants to work. Les Lingueres considers that training is a key tool to promote the integration and personal development of women. “ Education is the basis of everything . If a person has an education, they can get ahead,” says Mame Fatou Fall , president of the association.

In this sense, one of the main demands of the entity is to have more spaces and resources to learn languages. According to them, many of their members are interested in training in Catalan, Spanish or English , but they often find themselves with a lack of offers adapted to their needs. “I myself speak French better than Catalan or Spanish, and like me there are many women who would like to learn languages ​​to integrate better”, admits the president.

Qualifications that are not always recognized 

Another challenge that the organization points out is the recognition of the training acquired in their countries of origin. They explain that many women arrive with studies, professional experience and qualifications obtained in Senegal, but that they often encounter difficulties because this knowledge is not recognized here.

This situation forces them, in many cases, to start over or to take on jobs that do not correspond to their qualifications.

Culture as a meeting point 

Despite its short history, Les Lingueres has already promoted several initiatives to promote Senegalese culture and promote coexistence with the citizens of Tàrrega. Among the activities organized, cultural days open to the public and football matches stand out.

Looking to the future, the organization wants to continue expanding its activity with new training and cultural proposals, as well as promoting a large fair that brings together associations of women from diverse origins to share experiences, values ​​and traditions beyond Senegalese culture.

The search for a space of our own to continue growing 

At the same time, the organization is in talks with the Tàrrega City Council to have its own premises from which to carry out its activities and meet regularly. Meanwhile, Les Lingueres has the support of other organizations in the municipality, such as La Soll , which provides them with spaces to hold meetings and events.

"The City Council helps us a lot and whenever we need material or support they provide it to us. We are very grateful because from the very beginning they have listened to us and given us a hand", highlights Mame Fatou.