Experts call for bold action against harmful practices against women in West, Central Africa

By Timothy Olanrewaju

DAKAR, Senegal (AA) - Experts on Wednesday called for bold action against harmful practices and violence against women, and girls in West and Central Africa at the UN summit on women's rights in Senegal.

Violence against women through traditional norms, discrimination, violence extremism, and social media is “alarming” in West and Central Africa, according to Angela Muruli, a regional program coordinator for the UN Women in West and Central Africa.

"In West Africa, 40% of women are experiencing violence, 69% in Central Africa while 39% of girls get married before the age of 18," the UN official said on the first day of the summit in the capital Dakar.

She added that 35% of female users of social media have experienced violence in West and Central Africa.

She urged right activists, journalists, and other stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the legal framework on women's rights to hold public office holders and perpetrators of violence against women accountable.

Dieynaba Ndao, UN senior gender and sexual reproductive health officer, called for appropriate legislation by countries in the regions to protect women's and girls' rights.

"Our action must be immediate and prompt," she stated.

The three-day UN summit on combating harmful practices and gender-based violence is being attended by about 100 participants, including experts, UN staff, government officials, journalists, and lawyers.