Senegal launches national campaign to combat school violence

The Ministry of National Education launched a national awareness campaign in Diourbel, Senegal, to address gender-based violence, sexual abuse, harassment, and digital violence.

Local administrative authorities, teachers, students, and community members gathered to initiate the program, which aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for children. Anna Sow, the coordinator of the Gender and Equity Cell, led a mobile awareness caravan through the streets of Diourbel.

The caravan visited schools and daaras, which are traditional Quranic schools, to talk with students about risky behaviors and how to report violence. Sow stated that the ministry wants to ensure that boys and girls can succeed in school without facing threats on campus or on social media. During these stops, she also urged parents to register their children with the civil registry at birth.

Aboubacry Sadikh Niang, the head of the educational district, spoke at the final stop of the caravan at the Diourbel Academy Inspection. He encouraged students to break the silence regarding any abuse they experience or witness. The Gender and Equity Cell plans to continue this campaign across various Academy Inspections in Senegal until November 30, 2026. The initiative will use forums, panels, and community dialogues to build a lasting culture of prevention and collective responsibility.