Source: APO
From 5 to 10 September 2026, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Dr. Maxime Houinato, will be in Ziguinchor alongside Ms. Arlette Mvondo, UN Women Representative in Senegal. At a time when women’s and girls’ rights face growing setbacks across the region, this mission carries a clear ambition: to amplify women’s voices, strengthen their agency, and advance equality for the next generation.
Amplifying Women’s Voices in Peacebuilding
In Casamance, women have contributed for decades to dialogue, mediation, and social cohesion. But contributing to peace is not enough. Women must also have a meaningful influence on the decisions that sustain and consolidate it.
Dr. Maxime Houinato will meet women mediators and members of the Platform of Women for Peace in Casamance (PFPC). Discussions will focus on progress in the peace process, ongoing challenges, and women’s participation in local governance.
Strengthening Women’s Agency
The power to live free from violence. The power to make one’s own choices. The power to access resources, technologies, and markets. These freedoms are inseparable.
Dr. Houinato will take part in the launch of the Southern Network of Religious and Traditional Leaders, bringing together traditional, religious, and community leaders to promote the protection, empowerment, and participation of women and girls in economic, political, and social development.
At the Kuulimaaro Centre, he will participate in the handover of equipment provided through the KAARANGUÉ Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. This initiative supports efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls through an empowerment-focused approach. By strengthening services for women and girls affected by violence and harmful practices, the project contributes to improving access to essential support. The assistance provided to this shelter and care center for adolescent girls will help reduce barriers to first-response services, ensuring that survivors of violence and their children have access to a safe space offering health, justice, and socio-economic reintegration services.
In Nyassia, women’s agency is also built through economic empowerment. The Regional Director will meet women farmers supported through the PAF/AgriFeD Project (Support Programme for Women in Agriculture and Sustainable Development), funded by the Government of the Balearic Islands and implemented with the support of the NGO Dimbaya. The initiative helps women improve access to technology, digital tools, and markets.
“Equality is measured by women’s real power: the power to make their voices heard, to live free from violence, and to decide their own future. This is the ambition we are advancing in Casamance and across our region.”
Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa
Defending Rights Today, Advancing Equality Tomorrow
West and Central Africa is one of the youngest regions in the world, with 64 per cent of its population under the age of 24. In Senegal, 75 per cent of the population is under 35. At a time when hard-won gains for women and girls are under threat, the next generation must be able to go further in achieving equality.
Ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Dr. Houinato will engage with young people in Ziguinchor and key stakeholders in the sports sector. During a para-sports event, he will highlight the inclusion of persons with disabilities while also promoting opportunities for girls and young women in sports.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.