At a UN summit on women’s rights held in Dakar, Senegal, experts on Wednesday called for decisive action to combat harmful practices and violence against women and girls across West and Central Africa.
Angela Muruli, UN Women’s regional program coordinator for West and Central Africa, described the situation as “alarming,” citing the prevalence of violence driven by traditional norms, discrimination, violent extremism, and social media.
“In West Africa, 40% of women experience violence, compared to 69% in Central Africa, while 39% of girls are married before the age of 18,” she reported on the summit’s opening day. Additionally, 35% of female social media users in the region have faced online abuse, she added.
Muruli emphasized the need for activists, journalists, and other stakeholders to understand legal frameworks for women’s rights to hold governments and perpetrators accountable.
Dieynaba Ndao, UN senior officer for gender and sexual reproductive health, urged governments to enact laws to protect women’s and girls’ rights. “Our action must be immediate and decisive,” she stated.
The three-day summit, attended by around 100 participants—including experts, UN officials, government representatives, journalists, and lawyers—aims to tackle gender-based violence and harmful practices. It highlights the urgent need for legislative reforms and community-driven efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of women and girls in the region.