Joséphine Turpin Sarr has been a conference interpreter since 1988. Her career has taken her to many African countries, where she has observed that the difficulties faced by the people of Senegal are mirrored across the continent — hence her conviction that taking action in Senegal can have repercussions far beyond its borders.

Deeply concerned about the plight of street children and disadvantaged children, she supports organisations such as SOS Children’s Villages, without being affiliated to any one in particular, and personally funds the education of several young girls, convinced that Africa cannot progress without the full participation of women at the highest levels of society.