Mastercard Foundation 3d ago

At 24, Mama Sabaly lives in Saré Simali in the Kolda region. Born with sight, she lost her vision at age one. She is a mother, she runs her household on her own, and every day counts. Everything shifted when she discovered the Batonga program. A women’s circle. A place to learn. A place where she can finally contribute. Today, she makes soap, mentors others, and earns an income. But above all, she knows she is capable. Her message to people with disabilities: “Make the effort to get out there and reach out to others.” This is Mama Sabaly's story and why inclusion matters. About Inclusion at the Mastercard Foundation Across WAEMU, young people with disabilities face barriers to education, skills development, finance, and dignified work. These challenges are compounded by poverty, gender inequality, and isolation. For the Mastercard Foundation, disability inclusion is not a separate programme. It's a principle that shapes how we work.