How the 2024 transition of power halved women’s representation in Senegal's government

July 23, 2025

In Senegal, the recent political transition to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's administration has resulted in a significant regression in women's representation in government, with female ministers reduced from seven to just four (13. 3% of positions). Adding to concerns, the government renamed the Ministry of Women, Family, and Child Protection to the Ministry of Family and Solidarities without consultation, sparking protests from feminist organizations.

Who is affected

Senegalese women, particularly those qualified for leadership positions
Feminist organizations and women's rights advocates in Senegal
The broader Senegalese society that benefits from women's contributions to development
Specific women mentioned as examples of excellence but excluded from decision-making: Professor Mame Penda BA, Professor Fatimata LY, and economist Thiaba Camara SY
Members of the WhatsApp group "Consultation: Women – Gender – New Regime"
The Network of Feminists in Senegal and other activist groups

What action is being taken

Activists like Amsatou Sow Sidibé are speaking out on social media about women's declining presence in government
The Network of Feminists in Senegal is publicly challenging the government's decision to remove "Women" from the ministry name
Sociologist Marie Angélique Savané has launched a petition against the ministry name change
A WhatsApp discussion group called "Consultation: Women – Gender – New Regime" is actively discussing the impacts of the new administration
Feminists are documenting the regression in women's representation and rights

Why it matters

The reduction in women ministers from seven to four represents a clear regression in female representation at the highest government levels
Removing "Women" from the ministry name signals potential deprioritization of women's issues
This regression threatens progress made through Law 2010-11 of May 28, 2010, on gender parity
According to OECD data, discriminatory social institutions cost Africa 7.5% of its GDP in 2019
World Bank estimates global losses from gender inequality at USD 160.2 trillion
IMF research suggests narrowing gender gaps could increase GDP in developing economies by almost 8%
Excluding women from decision-making positions limits Senegal's potential for inclusive and sustainable development

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article, though the author proposes three responses: establishing citizen observatories to monitor gender policies, building solidarity networks for women leaders, and using social media to pressure political parties to respect parity.

Read full article from source: Global Voices