Newspaper headlines are filled with these stories of women murdered in an atrocious way. Within days, three young women were killed under the impassive gaze of the authorities.Are they insensitive, apathetic or simply indifferent to the plight of women in this country?The silence of the cathedral that the authorities of this country have demonstrated since the series of murders of women took place raises questions.In a few days, 3 young lives were brutally cut short and in conditions of extreme barbarism.In Kaolack, FatouSamb, abducted, sequestered and raped before being killed, was 17 years.In Matam, S. Barro, shot in the head for simply asking her husband for a divorce, was only 19.A few days ago, in Grand-Yoff, NafissatouDiédhiou was killed by her husband.Their names add to a long list of women killed by their spouses, ex-spouses or others.The numbers make one dizzy.Between January 2019 and March 2020, the Committee to Combat Violence against Women recorded no fewer than 21 murders.Born from the contraction of the words feminine and homicide, the term « femicide » encompasses 11 grounds for killing targeting mainly women.And one of the first is related to domestic violence.In Senegal, the silence of the community begins within the family and the couple.Violence against women in their households is excused, motivated and forgiven.And when horror happens, few question their lack of action.In recent years, Senegal has faced a staggering upsurge in femicide.But strangely, apart from a few women’s associations, feminists too, no one is indignant.Each new killing is on the front page of the newspapers for a few hours, before the political news takes centre stage.And when a women’s association makes it a point to denounce this barbarism, it is immediately doomed to groans.Every effort is being made to blame women, their education, their clothing and anything else that looks the other way, away from society.In such a society, victims and their families can only mourn, bury their dead and rely on the Supreme Judge.Because in the absence of large-scale action, strong measures taken by the authorities to support the victims of violence, and severe punishment for the perpetrators, nothing will change.On the contrary.With the arrival at the Ministry of Women, FatouDiané, it was hoped that folklore had packed its bags at the same time as its predecessor.But this one misses a great opportunity to make a strong signal.And finally, for the women of this country to feel protected and by those who are invested with this mission.
By Mame Woury THIOUBOU / mamewoury@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH