In Senegal, the issue of femicides has reached a critical point, with 18 cases documented in 2025 alone. This figure is recognized as likely underestimating the true extent of the problem, given that it only accounts for cases that have been reported and brought to public attention. The growing awareness among authorities highlights the urgent situation women face in the country. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's acknowledgment of the term 'femicide' during his New Year's address signifies an important, albeit symbolic, step towards confronting this violence against women.

In a safe house in Dakar, women who have survived domestic violence gather to support one another. Ngoné Sarr, president of the 'badiénou gokh', shares how these women reach out for help, expressing their fear for their lives. This grassroots network plays a crucial role in providing refuge and support to those at risk. The conversations held within these spaces are filled with both despair and hope, as the survivors seek to reclaim their lives from violence.

Despite the increase in awareness and available support, many survivors and advocates remain hopeful for more substantial government action and policy changes. The symbolic recognition by the president is seen as a necessary first step, but there is a demand for concrete measures to protect women and prevent further acts of violence. The societal acknowledgment of femicides as a serious issue is essential for creating a safer environment for women in Senegal and for driving legislative changes needed to better safeguard their rights.