The Minister of Family Affairs and Solidarity of Senegal, Maimouna Diye, has called for bold and sustained interventions, along with increased financing, to address violence against women and girls in Africa.

Speaking at the Media Forum on Combating Violence Against Women and Girls in Africa, Madam Diye expressed the need for journalists to be advocates of change for women's and girls’ rights, highlighting their potential as agents of change and development.

“This forum is a unique opportunity to build the capacity of journalists to advocate for girls and women, equipping them to eliminate all forms of violence, including against children,” she said.

Concerns about sexual abuse, economic inequities, and other forms of violence against women and girls remain prevalent across Africa.

The forum, being attended by 70 journalists from various African countries, will provide a platform for knowledge sharing and skill-building. It will run from 4th December to 6th December in Dakar.

Organized by REMAPSEN (Réseau des Médias Africains Pour la Promotion de la Santé et de l’Environnement), the event was supported by UN Women and FONDS FRANÇAIS MUSKOKA. Mr. Bamba Youssouf, President of REMAPSEN, commended Senegal for hosting the conference, calling it a testament to the country’s dedication to ending violence against women and girls.

“We hope the journalists attending this forum return to their respective countries empowered and capacitated to serve as change agents in combating violence against women and girls,” Mr. Youssouf remarked.

The forum is as a major step in enhancing collaboration and commitment among media practitioners to address these pressing issues, offering strategies to promote gender equity and amplify the voices of women and girls across the continent.