Violence Against Women
Source: Say No UNiTE
Wildly popular Senegalese wrestler Omar Sakho, known as Balla Gaye 2, galvanized participants at West Africa's recent regional launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. Making a surprise guest appearance at the Place du Souvenir in Dakar, he stirred a crowd already shouting with excitement. His message: "We do not need violence. Each man has a mother. I say NO to violence against women!"
To underscore the point, Balle Gaye and his entourage wore T-shirts emblazoned with the motto "Balla Gaye dit Non a la Violence faite aux femmes et aux filles" (Balla Gaye says NO to violence against women and girls).
The launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence was kicked off with an event on November 26. Hundreds of people attended, including a large number of young people and students from universities and schools, sports and cultural associations, and youth and women's organizations. All committed to saying no to violence against women, they took part in dialogue sessions on stopping violence.
Honourable Awa Ndiaye, Minister of State for Gender, Culture and Quality of Life, reiterated the strong commitment of the Government of Senegal to address the issue of violence against women. "The right to security is nonnegotiable, the wall of silence must be broken once and for all!"
UN Resident Coordinator Bintou Djibo affirmed the commitment of the United Nations, including through the UN Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign. "The UN system (will) work alongside all dynamic actors to eradicate this scourge."
Besides Balla Gaye's appearance, a highlight of the day was the 6th Dakar Elles, a charity marathon. The city came to a standstill as young boys and girls, and men and women of all ages, nationalities and walks of life ran the five-kilometre stretch to raise awareness on ending violence against women and girls.
Tired but still smiling, the crowd made it back to Place du Souvenir believing the day had come to an end. But a further reward was in store when Balla Gaye made his appearance.
With wrestling in much of West Africa having become a huge spectator sport and cultural event, champions are celebrities, well known especially among young men. Heroes like Balla Gaye can send messages that motivate them to build a life free from violence against women.
