MSI Senegal co-facilitates the National Feminist Forum to defend women’s rights and reproductive justice
The theme of the forum was “The consequences of clandestine abortions in Senegal: Prevention, holistic care and political and legal challenges”.
On the 25th and 26th of June, MSI Senegal co-facilitated the National Feminist Forum on Women’s Rights and Reproductive Justice in Senegal.
The debate on abortion in Senegal has made significant progress since 2013, with the establishment of a working group made up of 22 organizations advocating for the effective implementation of Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol, ratified by Senegal in 2004. However, to date the country has still not domesticated this provision into its national legislation. In addition, the subject of abortion remains controversial, with many considering the right to abortion to be contrary to the country’s religious and cultural values.
Over the past years, feminist activists and young advocates have tirelessly worked to place safe abortion at the center of public discourse, countering false narratives and advocating for law reform to allow abortion to preserve life and health and in cases of incest and rape.
MSI Senegal supports women’s movements to strengthen their SRHR advocacy skills and impact. The forum helped mobilize and engage more feminist voices, new allies and influencers to engage incoming political leaders and advocate on the legal and policy reforms needed to improve reproductive justice.
The event was organized in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Global, Organization for Safe Abortion Dialogue, the Foundation for Just Society, JGEN and International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region.
