ZOUHOUR MECHERGUI

Mauritania- Violence against women is on the rise in Mauritania despite the efforts of women’s organizations due to the lack of unity among organizations. Mauritanian women’s rights defenders think that Mauritanian women should benefit from the experiences of other women’s organizations in Africa and all around the world to combat gender-based violence in their country.

‘We should know the experiences of women’

Rama Ba, coordinator of the program against gender-based violence at Mauritanian Association for Human Rights, thinks that the lack of coordination among women’s organizations in Mauritania affects the struggle against gender-based violence. “Human rights defenders in our country should learn the experiences of women in other countries to combat violence against women. Learning about successful African and Arab experiences is important to defend women’s rights and human rights in our country.”

Speaking about the International Women’s Day, she said, “We should remember the challenges, concerns, and obstacles faced by women on this day before celebrating it.” Criticizing the local media outlets for not highlighting the important role played by working women, Rama Ba said, “March 8 is the day of resistance; the day for women to express the obstacles, discrimination, injustices against them and voice their demands. The local media outlets should make the demands of Mauritanian women heard all around the world.”

Nafisa Saw, human rights defender in Mauritania, thinks everyone should combat violence against women and girls not only on March 8 but also 365 days. “Violence against women has become a frightening scourge that kills women. Women are the most vulnerable group in society and they need protection, support. Mauritanian women and girls are subjected to domestic violence, forced marriage and child marriage.”

Mafisa Saw called on women to be brave in order to break the barrier of fear and demand their rights. “They should raise their voices for a better future. Women need more awareness-raising activities and laws that protect them from all forms of violence.”