Dakar, Senegal – in observance of the 16 days of global activism, the African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment, known as REMAPSEN, has convened a gathering of more than hundred journalists, gender experts and lawyers, local and international NGOs, as well as community leaders to explore ways in which journalists can enhance their contributions to the ongoing fight for social change.
Participants at the Dakar Forum
The gathering styled “Media Forum On Combating Violence Against Women And Girls In Africa,” is being held under the theme: “Respecting Women’s Rights and Empowering Women.” The conference is supported by UN Women and the French Muskoka Fund.
Speaking at the commencement of the forum, the Resident Representative of UN Women in Senegal, Arlette Mvondo, said the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is being celebrated under the global theme: 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, unite to end violence against women and girls, “allows us to pause and examine the progress made over the past 30 years while also identifying the challenges that persist.”
Madam Mvondo noted that, despite 79% of member states having submitted reports facilitating the implementation of national action plans to eradicate violence against women and girls, 90% of states having introduced or strengthened legislation to combat such violence, and 88% of states having introduced or reinforced services to support victims, more needs to be done. “The reality we live in tells a different story, showing that violence remains pervasive and devastating,” she said.
The UN Women Resident Representative further stated that female genital mutilation, early marriage, sexual and domestic violence continue to deprive millions of women and girls of their fundamental rights while limiting their individual potential and their collective contribution to the society. “No country is spared, and no country has succeeded in eliminating this scourge of violence against women and girls,” she disclosed.
She calls for collaboration to end the menace “We need greater investments, more innovation, and above all, stronger commitment— not only politically, but also from all actors, particularly the media, to bridge the very real gaps that persist in the areas of women’s empowerment, leadership, legislation, services, and systems that ensure justice, accountability, and an end to impunity.”
Giving the situation analysis on violence against women and girls, UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Project Officer on Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health, Dr. Dieynaba Ndao said 40% of women in West Africa have experienced some form of violence as compared to 69% in Central Africa. She postulated that the cases of FGM ranges from 28% up to 95% in certain countries, while girls and young women with disabilities are 10 times more victims of violence globally.
UN Women Regional Project Officer
Elsewhere in Africa, Liberia’s Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister at a recent media engagement on the 16 days of activism also stressed the critical need to address the rising tide of gender-based violence in the country. She said in 2023 alone, Liberia reported 3,204 GBV cases, terming it as alarming.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, REMAPSEN’s President Bamba Youssouf said the organization ofthe forum signifies that African media are ready to enhance their role in the fight against violence towards women and girls and promote their empowerment.
REMAPSEN’S president Bamba Youssouf
Mr. Bamba expressed the Network’s commitment to continue educating the public, raising awareness, influencing behavior, mobilizing public opinion, steering political debates, and driving concrete actions in favor of women.
