As the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) and International Women’s Rights Day approach, speakers from the SHE & Rights initiative have called for accelerated action to advance gender equality and for stronger recognition of the rights of older persons.
In Senegal, March 8 is celebrated in a context marked by strong national mobilization around women’s rights. As every year, the commemoration takes place within the framework of the National Women’s Week 2026, dedicated to promoting women’s economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, strengthening women’s leadership, and consolidating women’s rights.
In this momentum, several activities have been organized across the country, including a national awareness caravan that traveled through several territorial hubs: Mbour, Kaolack, Sédhiou, Kédougou, Ourossogui, Diourbel, Dagana, and Dakar.
Led by the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, Maimouna Dièye, the caravan featured technical panels and community meetings focused on women’s economic empowerment, the promotion of girls’ education, and the elimination of violence.
Discussions also addressed major reforms, particularly the revision of the Family Code and the need to strengthen the fight against impunity for sexual violence.
In Senegal, March 8 is widely perceived not simply as a celebration, but as a day of struggle for women’s rights.
This activist approach highlights the recognition of the essential role women play in nation-building and their contribution to the country’s economic and social development.
The celebration is also marked by a strong cultural symbol: the wearing of the “March 8 fabric” (pagne du 8 mars), which has become a national tradition. This specific fabric is both a sign of celebration and a symbol of visibility for women’s struggles.
As part of an annual tradition, the President of the Republic received the Association of Women of the Presidency, a meeting intended to honor the commitment of women working within the highest institution of the State.
During this gathering, the Head of State expressed his appreciation for these women who, through administrative, technical, and organizational services, contribute with dedication and a strong sense of duty to the proper functioning of the Presidency.
He also acknowledged the essential place women occupy in national life, emphasizing that their commitment strengthens institutions, supports economic vitality, and reinforces social cohesion in Senegal.
The President stressed that the country’s development requires the full participation of women, whose intelligence, energy, and talent represent a major driving force for the future.
This national momentum takes place within an international context marked by ongoing discussions on the rights of women and older persons.
In this regard, a special session of SHE & Rights, coordinated by Shobha Shukla, Executive Director of CNS and coordinator of the initiative, was organized in collaboration with several international organizations, including Women’s Rights Caucus; Fòs Feminista; Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI); International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF); Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW); Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR); Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health, Gender and Development Justice (APCAT Media); and Development Justice for Older Persons (DJ4OP).
The meeting brought together several prominent speakers, including Sai Jyothirmai Racherla (ARROW), Shiphrah Belonguel (Fòs Feminista), and Professor Emeritus Rashidah Shuib, President of the Kelantan Reproductive Health Association (REHAK).
Ahead of CSW70, scheduled from March 9 to 19 at the United Nations, the discussions focused particularly on the rights of older persons in terms of health and social justice.
Participants also highlighted several international initiatives, including the Youth Forum and the People’s Forum of the APFSD, as well as the first meeting of the intergovernmental working group tasked with developing a legally binding instrument for the protection of the rights of older persons.
The SHE & Rights session also marked the 20th anniversary of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a key mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Through these national and international initiatives, the celebration of March 8, 2026, underscores the urgency of strengthening public policies for gender equality, combating all forms of violence, and guaranteeing the rights of all women, including those of older generations.
Babacar Sene Journal Agropasteur