During a visit to the mini-fair organized by the Cultural Association of People Living with Disabilities, on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the "HANDIVOICE" festival, the Minister of Family and Solidarity, Maïmouna Dièye, announced the development of a social orientation law aimed at promoting the rights of people with disabilities.

"Senegal, in accordance with its international and regional commitments on social protection, has developed a social orientation law to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and guarantee their full participation in society," said Ms. Dièye.

"This law aims to guarantee access to healthcare, equal opportunities, social and preventive action, education, training, employment, accessibility, housing, living environment, transportation, and communication for people with disabilities, who represent 7% of the Senegalese population," she explained, adding that the law is currently being revised to better meet the expectations of the population and integrate strategies for implementing support measures. "The General Delegation for Social Protection and National Solidarity, in collaboration with the interministerial committee and social protection stakeholders, is working towards an inclusive and participatory approach," she added.

As part of the government's National Transformation Agenda, "Senegal 2050," the minister emphasized that social protection revolves around the development of quality human capital. This translates into "the authorities' commitment to implementing innovative mechanisms to strengthen the national social protection policy."

"The National Solidarity Fund (FSN), the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SEN-CSU), the General Delegation for Social Protection (DGPSN), the Directorate for the Promotion of Children's Rights and Protection (DPDPE) and the Directorate for Family and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (DFPGV) are mechanisms of the ministry that regularly integrate people with disabilities," she said.

Ms. Dièye also revealed that women living with disabilities benefit from systematic inclusion in the women's financing program, aimed at supporting their economic empowerment. "They benefit from positive discrimination during socioeconomic tours in different regions of Senegal," she said.

The Minister announced that national consultations on strengthening the protection and well-being of people with disabilities will be organized before the end of 2025. This dialogue will allow for an in-depth exploration of opportunities to strengthen the integration of these people into training, financing, and social protection programs.

The former mayor of Patte d'Oie congratulated the SAXAL GROUP Association for this initiative, which she said provides a showcase for talented artists while also bringing them to the attention of the general public. "HANDIVOICE is the voice of people with disabilities speaking out to tell their stories, express their talents, and assert their aspirations," she said.

The ministry also announced the establishment of a collaboration with the SAXAL GROUP Association. "We look forward to establishing a fruitful partnership in our activities for this population," she said.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Minister of Microfinance, Social and Solidarity Economy, and several general directors attended the ceremony. The best students living with disabilities were also recognized.