According to the International Socialist Women’s organization, Senegal is the nation that has addressed the most women’s issues this decade. At a two-day conference, the group applauded Senegal’s efforts to improve women’s status and cited their commitment to initiatives and policies designed to further women’s equality.
Aminata Mbengue Ndiaye, Senegal’s Family Minister, commented, “We can say today that women’s issues are less a matter of including women in the governmental process than one of improving women’s socioeconomic status.” In Senegal, women comprise 13.6% of the national assembly and rural councils. Also, the number of girls sent to school has increased and the maternal mortality rate has decreased. Furthermore, women’s health and education programs have been instituted since 1975.
Audry McLaughlin, President of ISW said, “Senegal has taken these issues and seems to be moving the furthest ahead. They seriously addressed women’s issues in health, education and female genital mutilation.”
