Dakar women protest against rising feminicides in Senegal

In a powerful display of unity, a small but determined group of activists took to the streets of Dakar on Sunday afternoon to demand urgent government action against the escalating issue of feminicides in Senegal. The demonstration, though modest in numbers, echoed loudly with powerful messages and calls for justice.

Voices demanding accountability and action

Aminata Libain Mbengue, a prominent feminist and spokesperson for the group, delivered a passionate address, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “The silence must stop,” she declared, her voice cutting through the afternoon air. “Enough is enough. Women and girls are being killed, and yet we still see no meaningful response from the authorities.”

She continued, “Even the President, during his New Year’s address, acknowledged the need for measures to curb feminicides. But where are these measures? How many more women must lose their lives before the Senegalese government takes responsibility?”

Criticism of government inaction

The activists expressed frustration over the perceived inaction and the trivialization of feminicides in the media. Mbengue highlighted a recent case involving a two-year-old child who was violated and killed by three men, questioning why there had been no formal statement from the Ministry of Family and Social Solidarity. “This is a scandal,” she asserted. “Every time a woman or girl is killed, the government must take strong action. It is their duty to protect the women and girls of this nation.”

The demonstrators also called for feminicide to be recognized as a specific offense in the penal code, stressing that the lives of women should no longer be left in limbo. Their message was clear: the government must act decisively to address this crisis.

Call for ongoing protest until justice is served

As the sun began to set, the protest dispersed with a resolute message: another demonstration would be held following each feminicide until the government finally responds. The activists made it clear that their fight for justice would not waver, demanding that the authorities prioritize the safety and protection of women and girls in Senegal.