We were recently deeply moved by a heinous story about a 9-year-old girl whose innocence was brutally violated by her Quranic teacher.
According to the newspaper Le Monde of 12/12/2024 article link https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2024/12/12/senegal-une-enfant-de-…, this young child was victim of rape by her Koranic master and finds herself, at only 9 years old, confronted with an unwanted pregnancy.
This tragedy raises urgent questions about the protection of children and the limits of the education system. It is revolting to see that a growing child is thus deprived of her fundamental right to security and education.
Furthermore, the situation is all the more tragic as voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) is prohibited in Senegal, leaving this little girl in an impasse, without legal recourse to make decisions about her own bruised body, injured forever.
Ladies and gentlemen, do you all have a little girl in your family, in your entourage?! Think about the physical and psychological consequences of rape on this little girl and the impact of an unwanted pregnancy!
Remember that rape is one of the most tragic and devastating crimes, especially here in this story when it affects children. When a girl becomes pregnant as a result of rape, the consequences are not only tragic but also deeply confusing, affecting her physical, mental and emotional health.
Rape often inflicts serious physical injury. In addition to injuries, a young girl may face complications such as infections, bleeding or internal trauma. If a pregnancy occurs, childbirth could cause additional complications, such as the risk of uterine rupture, as the child's body is not prepared to handle pregnancy and childbirth!
Very young mothers, especially those who are still growing, are exposed to increased risks during pregnancy. The chances of premature birth, low birth weight or other health problems in the newborn are high. Additionally, childbirth can seriously impair their physical health, causing chronic pain or other obstetric complications!
The psychological consequences lead to immediate and long-term psychological trauma. Rape is already a traumatic event in itself, and the resulting pregnancy can exacerbate this trauma. Victims may develop a variety of psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The awareness of being pregnant following a violent act can reinforce the psychological pain experienced, leading to a feeling of loss of control over one's body and one's life.
The consequences of rape on a little girl, especially when she becomes pregnant, are absolutely devastating and multifaceted. The physical effects go far beyond immediate injury and include grave risks to future health. In addition, the psychological repercussions lead to prolonged trauma which can affect not only the life of the young mother but also that of the unborn child.
It is crucial that Senegalese society responds to these situations with empathy, by offering medical, psychological, and social support to victims. An integrated approach is needed to help these young girls overcome trauma and build safer, healthier futures. Awareness, education, and community engagement play a vital role in preventing such tragedies and supporting victims.
And beyond that, we must all, as a society, come together to denounce such acts and work together to strengthen protections for children. It is imperative to encourage a culture of respect and safety in schools, and to legislatively support the rights of victims. Let everyone stand up to denounce this!
As a Senegalese and active member of a humanitarian association and committed actors who regularly intervene in Senegal, I express my deepest indignation at this unacceptable tragedy. I urge that a police investigation be opened to seriously examine the circumstances surrounding this matter. It is essential that justice is done and that all those responsible are brought to justice. Furthermore, I call for this little girl to be heard by child specialists, to ensure that she receives the psychological and emotional support necessary to overcome this traumatic ordeal. Her well-being must be the top priority for all of us, so she deserves to be surrounded by experts capable of supporting her through this difficult process.
Let us not let this broken voice be lost in collective indifference. Let us fight for justice and for a future where every child can grow up in safety and with dignity.
How many children are raped every day in Senegal? Society must mobilize to protect children and ensure their safety. We cannot tolerate acts of violence going unpunished. Together, let's work to make the voices of victims heard and establish a culture of protection of children's rights
We live in a time where commitment and solidarity are more necessary than ever. It is with deep determination that we call on each of you to work for collective well-being and to promote values of justice, equality and peace. Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Senegal, react!
Ladies and gentlemen, your role as social and political leaders is crucial! You have the power to inspire, unite and transform society.
May your commitment to kindness and empathy guide your actions and decisions.
Together, let's make Senegal a model of solidarity and therefore prosperity
By Lamine CISSE
NTC-JARDINS RESPONSIBLE FOR HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS SENEGAL
