Recent York, NY – Senegal has reaffirmed its commitment to combating violence against women and girls, participating in high-level discussions at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) currently underway at the United Nations in New York. The annual gathering, running from March 9th to 19th, 2026, provides a crucial platform for governments, civil society, and international organizations to address gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.
Senegal’s delegation, led by the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, Maïmouna Diéye, highlighted national initiatives and mechanisms aimed at preventing gender-based violence (GBV). The country shared its experiences during a parallel event organized by Mali, focusing on the role of traditional, customary, and religious authorities in responding to and preventing violence against women. This focus on endogenous responses reflects a growing recognition of the importance of culturally relevant approaches to tackling deeply rooted societal issues. The event, presided over by Malian Minister of the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, Sanogo Djenebou Diarra, brought together representatives from across the African continent and international organizations dedicated to women’s rights.
Addressing a Significant Challenge: Prevalence of Violence in Senegal
The participation of Senegal at CSW70 comes as the nation confronts a concerning reality regarding violence against women. According to data presented during the conference, approximately 31.9% of women aged 15 to 49 in Senegal have experienced violence in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the urgent need for continued and strengthened efforts to protect women and girls. The government has responded by reinforcing its legal and institutional framework, with a particular emphasis on criminalizing rape and pedophilia. This commitment to legal reform is a critical step in holding perpetrators accountable and deterring future acts of violence.
Beyond legal measures, Senegal is investing in a multi-faceted approach to address GBV. This includes the establishment of specialized care structures for victims, training for law enforcement personnel, and the development of data collection and monitoring tools. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to survivors while too improving the understanding of the scope and nature of the problem. The government is prioritizing prevention and awareness-raising campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and promote gender equality.
CSW70: A Global Focus on Justice and Participation
The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women is centered around two key themes: ensuring access to justice for all women and girls, and promoting their full and effective participation in public life and decision-making. These themes reflect the interconnectedness of legal protection, political empowerment, and the elimination of violence. The CSW is a vital forum for setting global standards and mobilizing action to achieve gender equality. Established in 1947, the Commission plays a central role in monitoring and reviewing the progress made in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark document adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995.
Senegal’s delegation, which included Astou Fall, Technical Advisor to the Minister; Dr. Rokhaya Diakhaté, Director of the Family; a representative from the Ministry of Health and Hygiene; and Madjiguène Diop, Coordinator of the Child Protection Support Unit (CAPE), actively participated in high-level discussions and presented national initiatives. The delegation also collaborated with other African nations, including Guinea, represented by Minister Pauline Adeline Patricia Lamah, and benefited from the expertise of Dr. Maxime Houinato, Regional Director of UN Women for West and Central Africa. This collaborative spirit highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Minister Diéye emphasized the importance of international cooperation in accelerating efforts to finish violence against women and girls. This recognition reflects the understanding that GBV is a global problem that requires a coordinated response. Senegal’s participation in CSW70 demonstrates its commitment to working with international partners to share best practices, mobilize resources, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls. The country’s actions align with the broader global agenda for sustainable development, recognizing that gender equality is essential for achieving peace, justice, and inclusive societies.
The Senegalese government plans to host a “Senegal Day” event during CSW70, showcasing national experiences and initiatives in favor of women’s rights. This event will provide a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering dialogue with other stakeholders. The country’s active engagement in CSW70 underscores its strong political commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls, both domestically and internationally.
Looking Ahead: Continued Efforts and Regional Collaboration
Senegal’s commitment to addressing violence against women extends beyond legal reforms and institutional strengthening. The country is also focused on promoting economic empowerment, improving access to education, and challenging harmful social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. These efforts are essential for creating a society where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
The ongoing participation in forums like CSW70 allows Senegal to learn from other countries, share its own experiences, and contribute to the development of global strategies for preventing and responding to GBV. The emphasis on traditional and religious leaders in Mali’s parallel event highlights the importance of engaging all segments of society in the fight against violence against women. This holistic approach, combining legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and community engagement, is crucial for achieving lasting change.
The next key step for Senegal will be the continued implementation of its national action plan on gender equality and the monitoring of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Further updates on Senegal’s progress will be shared at future international forums and through national reports.
The fight against violence against women and girls is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained commitment and collaboration. Senegal’s participation in CSW70 demonstrates its dedication to this important cause and its willingness to perform with partners to create a more just and equitable world for all.
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