Faced with what they consider to be “disguised propaganda”, alternating the terms “violence against women” and “gender-based violence”, the members of the platform denounce an attempt to normalize the ideologies they reject. According to them, these concepts are used intentionally to create confusion and convey ideas contrary to the moral and religious standards of Senegal.
“We refuse the feminization of the family,” they declared, recalling that for them, the quintessence of the family unit lies in the union between a man and a woman, in accordance with universal Islamic and human values.
The Minister of Family and Solidarity was directly challenged: “If you choose the gender agenda, we will not hesitate to confront you,” warned the representatives of the platform, denouncing what they perceive as a attempt to align with international protocols that they consider contrary to Senegalese values.
They also announced their intention to consult religious leaders to discuss these “attempts to harmonize with our family code”, described as a “heretical protocol”.
The speech also targeted the influence of feminist lobbies and international organizations, accused of imposing foreign ideologies on Senegal. “Senegal has ceased to be the preserve of UN ransom runners,” we heard, in a direct allusion to UN initiatives in favor of gender equality.
Citing criticism from religious and political figures, notably Pope Benedict XVI, or the decisions of major world powers such as the United States, Russia and China, the platform called for the preservation of “universal human values” and the rejection of what she calls “religiosity without God”.
The conference ended with a call to restore the traditional role of women in Senegalese society. “We will marry, we will give birth, and we will love our husbands, madly,” they proclaimed, emphasizing their attachment to the Islamic faith and respect for the roles prescribed by religion.
This statement from the “Ndeyi Askann Wi” platform reflects a growing tension between certain Islamic feminist associations and national or international initiatives perceived as threatening the cultural and religious values of Senegal.
A persistent ideological divide
While the Senegalese government is increasing its efforts to promote women’s rights within the framework of broader equality, these declarations demonstrate the deep divergences between the different sensitivities within Senegalese society. The future will tell whether this complex dialogue can achieve a balance between modernity and tradition.
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