UN Women conducts peace and empowerment mission in Casamance

UN Women conducted a four-day mission in the Casamance region of Senegal, focusing on peace consolidation, economic empowerment, and social inclusion for women and girls. Led by Dr. Maxime Houinato, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, and Arlette Mvondo, UN Women Senegal Representative, the delegation met with local authorities, community leaders, and female beneficiaries in Ziguinchor and Nyassia.

A key outcome of the mission was the launch of the Casamance Mediators' Circle, an initiative involving traditional queens and leaders of women's organizations to promote sustainable peace through mediation. The mission also addressed the fight against gender-based violence by providing essential equipment—including beds, freezers, and educational tools—to a support center in Ziguinchor that serves the Ziguinchor, Kolda, and Sédhiou regions.

Dr. Houinato emphasized the resilience of local women, particularly widows engaged in agriculture, and highlighted the need to support the intellectual development of young girls who have survived violence. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of these victims to participate in the reconstruction of society.