In a groundbreaking move, prominent traditional and religious leaders in Senegal have joined forces to eradicate gender-based violence, promoting a safer and more equitable society for women and girls.
The forum, organized by the Africa Media Network for Health & Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN), brought together esteemed leaders, including Ahan Kalidji Beatrice, Queen of Oussouye, M. Moussa Ndione, Djaraaf de Bargny, and Imam Elimane Diagne, President of the network of religious and traditional chiefs of the French-speaking zone of West Africa.
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Ahan Kalidji Beatrice shared her inspiring story of overcoming societal norms to become a vocal advocate for girls’ education, highlighting its transformative power in promoting positive change.
Djaraaf de Bargny, M. Moussa Ndione, emphasized the importance of traditional leaders as custodians of cultural norms in promoting positive change, urging communities to address harmful practices such as early marriage, lack of education for girls, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Imam Elimane Diagne pointed out that Islam promotes peace and treating women with dignity, emphasizing that misinterpretations have led to domestic violence.
He shared his personal experience of facing resistance when preaching about family planning, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in promoting positive change.
The leaders stressed the importance of a unified approach to creating sustainable social change, with a focus on education, advocacy, and collective transformation.
The forum, supported by UN Women and Fonds Français Muskoka, marks a significant step towards creating a brighter future for women and girls in Senegal.
By engaging traditional and religious leaders in the fight against gender-based violence, REMAPSEN and its partners aim to promote positive change and empower communities to address harmful practices.
This collective effort is a powerful testament to the potential for transformative change in Senegal
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