Community Godmothers in Senegal Fight Violence Against Women Amid Funding Crisis

In Senegal, the Badienou Gokh, or community godmothers, are on the frontlines protecting women and girls from violence. But their life-saving work is under threat as a funding crisis grips women’s organizations across the country.

Tacko Sall, Secretary General of the Badienou Gokh in Tambacounda, often opens her home to survivors. She recalls a young woman who experienced domestic abuse and stayed with her for three months, eventually securing a job and housing. ‘Sometimes, cases are referred to us, and we do not even have enough money to cover transportation costs to reach them,’ Sall explains.

A UN Women survey reveals the scale of the crisis: nearly nine in ten women’s organizations say they can no longer meet current levels of need due to unprecedented funding cuts. Half have introduced waiting lists or are turning women away, and two in five expect to shut down within the next year.

The Badienou Gokh model, supported by UN Women and Global Affairs Canada through the KAARANGUE Project, reaches women where formal systems often fail. Hawa Sow Bousso, Regional Director of Family Affairs in Senegal, says, ‘Their social roots and the trust they enjoy make them key actors in both prevention and response to gender-based violence.’ Despite the challenges, over 5,278 people were reached in the first year of the project. But without sustainable funding, this progress is at risk.

Article and image source: sierraleonetimes.com