Senegal Project Aims to Improve Women's Access to Natural Resources

In October, the Regional Committee for Women's Solidarity for Peace in Casamance/USOFORAL launched a project in Oulampane, Bignona (southern Senegal), aimed at facilitating women's access to land, forest, and natural resources.

This initiative holds profound legal significance, as it directly addresses long-standing issues of gender inequality in access to and control over vital natural resources in Senegal. Improving women's access to land and other resources is not merely a social issue but a fundamental legal one, impacting property rights, economic empowerment, and human rights. Successful implementation of such a project can lead to enhanced food security, poverty reduction, and more sustainable resource management, but it necessitates navigating complex legal frameworks that often include both statutory and customary laws, which can be contradictory or discriminatory towards women.

The legal context for this project is rooted in Senegalese land law, which is characterized by a dual system. The National Domain Law of 1964 nationalized all land, establishing a system of concessions and user rights, yet customary practices, particularly in rural areas, continue to heavily influence land allocation and inheritance. Customary law frequently disadvantages women, limiting their ability to own, inherit, or control land. The project also aligns with international human rights instruments ratified by Senegal, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which obliges the state to ensure gender equality in all spheres, including economic rights. The key parties involved are the Regional Committee for Women's Solidarity for Peace in Casamance/USOFORAL as the implementing organization, the women in Oulampane and the broader Casamance region as beneficiaries, and local authorities and traditional leaders whose cooperation is crucial for land tenure reforms.

Attorneys advising on land transactions, rural development, or human rights in Senegal should be acutely aware of initiatives like the VLFR-SEN project and the evolving landscape of women's land rights. Practitioners must understand the intricate interplay between statutory and customary land law, particularly how it impacts women's access and ownership. They should be prepared to assist clients in navigating these complexities, advocating for equitable access, and ensuring compliance with both national laws and international human rights standards, potentially engaging in legal aid or advocacy efforts to support the project's objectives and challenge discriminatory practices.