In Dakar, on May 19, 2026, the Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) passionately advocated for a significant boost in female representation within key decision-making roles across institutions and political parties. This push aims to ensure women’s full participation in shaping and advancing Senegal’s national development and emergence.
Bator Seck, president of the RFLD in Senegal, articulated a clear vision: “Democracy cannot achieve its full potential if women remain underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The political trajectory of Senegal cannot be charted without women. It is no longer about building for women, but actively building with them.”
Her remarks were delivered at the opening of a seminar dedicated to women’s political involvement in Senegal, an event organized by the RFLD. This pan-African feminist network also maintains a strong presence in Ghana, Gambia, and Bénin.
The organization’s extensive work includes legislative advocacy, community mobilization, and funding for local initiatives. Furthermore, the RFLD champions women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, civic engagement, and climate justice.
A concerning decline in female representation
Ms. Seck highlighted that Senegal has often been celebrated as a leader in West Africa for its commitment to promoting women’s rights. This reputation stems from landmark achievements such as the 2010 parity law, the 2001 Constitution which enshrines gender equality, and the nation’s ratification of numerous international human rights conventions.
However, she cautioned that “behind these significant strides, the realities on the ground remain troubling.” She pointed to the snap legislative elections held on November 17, 2024, which revealed a regression in female representation within the National Assembly, dropping from 44.2% to 41%. “Even more alarming,” she observed, “only 13% of electoral lists were headed by women.”
Bator Seck also expressed dismay over the limited presence of women in local governance structures. She noted that only 18 out of 558 communes are led by women, and a mere three women preside over Senegal’s 43 departmental councils. This situation, she argued, underscores deep-seated structural barriers, cultural resistance, and persistent inequalities in accessing power, political financing, and media visibility.
The indispensable contribution of Senegalese women to societal progress
Despite these challenges, she praised the pivotal role Senegalese women play in society, emphasizing their active contributions to the local economy, education, social advocacy, and peacebuilding efforts.
Mama Diouf Fall, representing the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, underscored that women’s political engagement is a crucial driver for sustainable development, social stability, and effective governance.
Similarly, Fatoumata Guèye Ndiaye, Honorary President of the Association of Senegalese Jurists, advocated for enhanced access for women to executive positions and leadership roles within political parties. She also called for a comprehensive review of the parity law to further broaden female presence in all decision-making spheres.
Bator Seck, president of the RFLD in Senegal, articulated a clear vision: “Democracy cannot achieve its full potential if women remain underrepresented in decision-making bodies. The political trajectory of Senegal cannot be charted without women. It is no longer about building for women, but actively building with them.”
Her remarks were delivered at the opening of a seminar dedicated to women’s political involvement in Senegal, an event organized by the RFLD. This pan-African feminist network also maintains a strong presence in Ghana, Gambia, and Bénin.
The organization’s extensive work includes legislative advocacy, community mobilization, and funding for local initiatives. Furthermore, the RFLD champions women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health, civic engagement, and climate justice.
A concerning decline in female representation
Ms. Seck highlighted that Senegal has often been celebrated as a leader in West Africa for its commitment to promoting women’s rights. This reputation stems from landmark achievements such as the 2010 parity law, the 2001 Constitution which enshrines gender equality, and the nation’s ratification of numerous international human rights conventions.
However, she cautioned that “behind these significant strides, the realities on the ground remain troubling.” She pointed to the snap legislative elections held on November 17, 2024, which revealed a regression in female representation within the National Assembly, dropping from 44.2% to 41%. “Even more alarming,” she observed, “only 13% of electoral lists were headed by women.”
Bator Seck also expressed dismay over the limited presence of women in local governance structures. She noted that only 18 out of 558 communes are led by women, and a mere three women preside over Senegal’s 43 departmental councils. This situation, she argued, underscores deep-seated structural barriers, cultural resistance, and persistent inequalities in accessing power, political financing, and media visibility.
The indispensable contribution of Senegalese women to societal progress
Despite these challenges, she praised the pivotal role Senegalese women play in society, emphasizing their active contributions to the local economy, education, social advocacy, and peacebuilding efforts.
Mama Diouf Fall, representing the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, underscored that women’s political engagement is a crucial driver for sustainable development, social stability, and effective governance.
Similarly, Fatoumata Guèye Ndiaye, Honorary President of the Association of Senegalese Jurists, advocated for enhanced access for women to executive positions and leadership roles within political parties. She also called for a comprehensive review of the parity law to further broaden female presence in all decision-making spheres.
