Organised under the auspices of the Gambian authorities, the high-level meeting on GBV in Banjul took place in the presence of the First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and brought together government officials, representatives of regional and international organisations, as well as technical and financial partners.
Minister Dieye commended the initiative and thanked the Gambian authorities, particularly the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Affairs, Fatou Kinteh, for providing an excellent forum for discussion. She reiterated that gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights violations, with serious consequences for the health, dignity, and empowerment of women and
girls.
Addressing the national situation, Ms. Dieye indicated that the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in Senegal is estimated at 31.9 percent, highlighting a major challenge for development and the preservation of human capital. She reaffirmed the commitment of the highest state authorities, under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of violence against women and girls.
The minister also emphasized the strategic role of the SWEDD+ Senegal project, considered a key tool for preventing and responding to GBV.
She commended the mobilization of First Ladies as a crucial lever for driving lasting change and reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to the roadmap of the Regional Working Group on Gender-Based Violence.
Ms. Dieye concluded by appealing for strengthened solidarity in support of the protection of women and girls.
TE/Sf/fss/as/APA