Senegal's Demba Kandji Pledges Support for African Union Convention against Violence on Women

• Senegalese mediator Demba Kandji has pledged to support the ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women.
• The convention, adopted in February 2025, is the first legally binding pan-African framework aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
• Ratification would address both the scale of documented incidents and the persistent challenges faced by victims in obtaining protection and justice.
• Companies operating in Senegal may face new obligations to prevent and address gender-based violence if the convention is ratified.

The ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women would be a significant step towards addressing the scale of documented incidents and the persistent challenges faced by victims in obtaining protection and justice.

Senegalese mediator Demba Kandji has pledged to mobilize support for the ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women, a move that could have significant implications for companies operating in Senegal. The convention, adopted in February 2025, is the first legally binding pan-African framework aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. Its ratification would address both the scale of documented incidents and the persistent challenges faced by victims in obtaining protection and justice.

The convention's adoption comes as Senegal grapples with a surge in reported cases of violence against women, including 1,510 victims of rape and pedophilia between 2020 and 2024, with 957 minors among them. The country's minister of justice, Moussa Sarr, has highlighted the structural and social obstacles hindering the application of the law.

The silence surrounding these incidents is also fueled by dependence and fear within couples. A recent article published in Le Quotidien describes the 'double persecution' faced by rural women, who are exposed to violence but also to social mechanisms that prevent them from speaking out or leaving their situations.

The ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women would introduce new obligations for companies operating in Senegal to prevent and address gender-based violence. This development is closely watched by lawyers and compliance officers, who must consider its implications for their clients' operations in the country.

The convention's adoption has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the African Women Leaders Network Sénégal and the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarities. The network has been working to raise awareness about the issue and promote the ratification of the convention.

In a recent statement, Demba Kandji pledged his support for the initiative and promised to engage fully in efforts to secure the convention's ratification.

The ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women would be a significant step towards addressing the scale of documented incidents and the persistent challenges faced by victims in obtaining protection and justice. It would also introduce new obligations for companies operating in Senegal to prevent and address gender-based violence, making it essential for lawyers and compliance officers to consider its implications.

The convention's adoption is seen as a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for women and girls in Senegal. Its ratification would demonstrate the country's commitment to upholding human rights and promoting gender equality.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential ratification of the African Union Convention against violence on women, which could lead to new obligations for companies operating in Senegal to prevent and address gender-based violence.

Source: Original reporting via Demba Kandji promet de se mobiliser en faveur de la ratification de la convention de l’Union africaine contre les violences