Despite major legislative advances, violence against women and girls continues to weigh heavily on Senegalese society. Dakar is hosting the 4th International Forum on Gender-Based Violence and Gender Equality, a meeting that aims to bridge the gap between legislation and the realities on the ground.

At the initiative of the Institute of Inequalities and the Siggil Jigeen Network (RSJ), several civil society organizations, institutional actors, technical and financial partners as well as foreign delegations are meeting in Dakar around a common concern: how to make women's rights effective in communities?

Held under the theme "Contributing to bridging the gap between the legal framework and community and socio-political realities," this fourth edition is driven by the slogan "Nu Waxati" ("Let's talk about it again"). This message reflects the organizers' desire to bring the issue of gender-based violence and equality between women and men back to the forefront of public debate.

The situation is well-known. In recent years, Senegal has made significant progress with the adoption of the parity law and the strengthening, in 2020, of criminal provisions against rape and pedophilia. However, statistics and testimonies continue to reveal a troubling reality: violence against women remains widespread, and discrimination persists in many social spheres. Beyond legislation, organizers point to the weight of cultural and social norms that continue to influence behavior. Expressions such as "Djiguène dey mougne" ("the woman must endure") or "Djiguène dou jite" ("the woman does not lead") still illustrate the resistance women face in their quest for autonomy and recognition.

Discussions will revolve around five main themes: gender-sensitive territorial governance, multisectoral support for survivors, community mediation, regional and international cooperation, and youth engagement in promoting equality. But the forum is not intended to be just a space for reflection. Several concrete initiatives will be unveiled. Among them is an Anti-Stereotype Media Guide, developed with media professionals to encourage more responsible coverage of gender-based violence in the media.