<< BACK Central and West Africa: Senegal Background Since the historic presidential elections of February 2000 ushered in the first change of political power through the ballot box, Senegal has become one of the strongest examples of democratic governance in West Africa. The constitutional referendum passed in January 2001 reduced presidential terms from seven to five years, provided special status for opposition parties, enhanced the prime minister's status and gave women equal property rights with men for the first time in the country's history. Under the watchful eye of the media and civil society, the current administration led by President Abdoulaye Wade made unprecedented strides towards decentralization and also appointed six female ministers, including former Prime Minister Mame Madior Boye, who served until a cabinet shake-up in November 2002. Nevertheless, despite women's unparalleled access to the cabinet level, it is widely recognized that representation by women at the national, legislative and local government levels remains low. Though efforts to increase women's role in politics have not completely permeated local customary law or societal norms, they have created new enthusiasm for women's political participation and concern for women's public policy issues. NDI's last program was designed to take full advantage of this new environment to further enhance the ability of women to participate effectively in the political and decision-making processes of their country. Election Processes NDI has been actively working with Senegalese democrats since 1985, when it organized a regional conference in Dakar on multiparty democracy in Africa. Since then, it has carried out a number of elections missions, including political party poll watching seminars and a post-election roundtable for the May 1993 legislative elections. Following the NDI-organized roundtable, several recommendations were issued and subsequently adapted as draft laws. While working to ensure transparent elections, NDI also organized a seminar in 1999 on the role of the legislature in civil-military relations. Support to Women Candidates In 2001, NDI established a field presence in Senegal and launched a program focused on increasing the standing of female candidates for the May 2002 local elections. Since political parties control the nomination process in Senegal, NDI's program had the following objectives: 1) to work with Senegalese party leaders on implementing practical steps to increase the role and responsibilities of women within political parties; and 2) to conduct programs to enhance women's capabilities to represent their parties in elections and/or serve the public as elected officials. The efforts to increase women's political participation in Senegal produced impressive results. Approximately 1,700 women won seats at the regional, municipal and local government levels. Following the elections, the Institute provided additional training to nearly 80 percent of the women councilors to help the councilors' transition into their new roles and participate fully in the activities of their councils. NDI also invited women from civil society groups to participate in these sessions to deepen linkages between citizens and their elected officials. The trainings received broad support from national and local government officials, who requested similar assistance for newly elected male officials. Support to Local Elected Women Councilor In April 2003, NDI launched a two-year program to promote and enhance Senegalese women's participation in politics and good governance at the local level. During the program, NDI conducted a series leadership and local development training sessions in 10 of the country's 11 geographic regions. The trainings helped strengthen the ability of Senegalese women elected at the local level to better represent their constituencies and play a leadership role in decision-making processes in their communities. To help create a support network and promote information sharing among Senegalese women councilors, NDI facilitated the creation of formal associations of women councilors (WCA) in each of the country's 11 regions. In February 2005, NDI hosted the official inauguration in Dakar of the National Network of Women Councilors (known as RENELS), an organization formed by members of the regional WCA with technical assistance from NDI. The National Network serves as an umbrella organization through which councilwomen from diverse regions of the country can exchange ideas and organize national events to strengthen women's political participation, and efficiently address and/or advocate for issues of their concern. Contact Information For further information on our programs in Senegal, please contact: Mohamed S. Dansoko, Program Officer Send Email Updated May 2006 << BACK