In Saint-Louis, the Association of Women Court Clerks of Senegal organized an open day focused on equity and inclusion. In partnership with UN Women, the event centered around the powerful theme "For all women: access to the public justice system."

Held at the city's courthouse, this initiative brought together judicial authorities, students and civil society actors united by a common goal: to raise awareness of persistent inequalities in access to justice, particularly for women.

Through panels, discussions and information sessions, the participants highlighted the many challenges they face.

In her address, Marie Rose Touré Kane, president of the Association of Women Court Clerks of Senegal, reiterated the ambition of this initiative. According to her, although the association is relatively young – only two years old – it draws on solid professional experience.

"We wanted to put our expertise at the service of those seeking justice, particularly women, who are often vulnerable to violence and injustice," she explained.

The president stressed the need to deconstruct certain persistent social perceptions, particularly that of the "weaker sex." She emphasized that access to justice is a fundamental right, still too rarely exercised by many women, often due to a lack of information.

The discussions also allowed for the addressing of concrete issues. She indicated that many women find themselves abandoned by their husbands and are unaware of the legal mechanisms that allow them to assert their rights, particularly regarding contributions to household expenses or inheritance.

Emphasis was therefore placed on the importance of declaring the marriage and being aware of legal procedures.

Another key point is economic empowerment. In a region where women's activities are primarily based on fishing, agriculture, and livestock farming, access to financing remains a major challenge. The court clerks explained that formalizing activities, particularly through registration with the trade and personal property credit register, is an essential step for accessing bank loans and developing economic initiatives.

In the interest of transparency, the participants also informed the public about the official costs of administrative procedures, in order to prevent any attempted fraud. They specified, for example, that registration with the trade register for a natural person is set at 12,000 CFA francs, while other legal forms involve different fees.

Beyond providing legal information, this day also served to highlight the role of court clerks. Students were invited to discover this essential profession for the proper functioning of the courts, with the hope of inspiring future vocations.

The choice of Saint-Louis is not insignificant. Former capital of Senegal and French West Africa (AOF), the city occupies a strategic place in the country's judicial organization, covering a large part of the national territory.

As key players in the judicial system, court clerks reaffirmed their role in supporting litigants. They advocated for a more accessible, inclusive, and people-centered justice system, particularly for women who often face economic, social, and cultural barriers.

At the end of this day, a strong message emerges: guaranteeing equitable access to justice for all women remains a central issue for the rule of law and equal opportunities. This collective responsibility calls for concrete and lasting action.