The Réseau des femmes leaders pour le développement (RFLD) made a compelling case in Dakar on May 19, 2026, for accelerating women’s inclusion in decision-making roles across Senegal’s political and institutional spheres. During a high-level seminar on women’s political participation, the organization’s president, Bator Seck, delivered a powerful message: “A democracy cannot be whole until women stand equally in positions of power.”
She emphasized that Senegal’s future must be built with women, not just for them, calling for concrete steps to dismantle barriers preventing equitable representation. The event, organized by the RFLD—a pan-African feminist network active in Ghana, Gambia, and Benin—focused on advancing women’s rights through legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and local initiatives.
The RFLD’s advocacy spans critical areas such as women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, civic freedoms, and climate justice, reflecting its commitment to holistic gender equality.
Senegal’s progress—and persistent gaps
While Senegal is often praised for its leadership in women’s rights—thanks to the 2010 parity law, the 2001 Constitution enshrining gender equality, and ratification of key international human rights conventions—Bator Seck highlighted troubling setbacks. The 2024 legislative elections saw female representation in the National Assembly drop from 44.2% to 41%, with women heading just 13% of candidate lists. This decline underscores systemic challenges, including cultural resistance, unequal access to political funding, and limited media visibility for women leaders.
Local governance remains particularly stagnant: out of 558 municipalities, only 18 are led by women, and just three women preside over Senegal’s 43 departmental councils. These figures reveal deep-rooted structural inequalities that continue to marginalize women in political leadership.
The undeniable impact of Senegalese women
Despite these obstacles, Seck celebrated the indispensable role women play in driving Senegal’s development. From economic contributions to social justice movements and peacebuilding, women are central to the nation’s progress. Mama Diouf Fall, representing the Minister of Family, Social Action, and Solidarity, echoed this sentiment, asserting that women’s political participation is a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and good governance.
Fatoumata Guèye Ndiaye, honorary president of the Senegalese Women Jurists Association, reinforced the call for reform, urging expanded access to executive roles and leadership within political parties. She also advocated revising the parity law to further strengthen women’s presence in decision-making spaces.
