[Spécial 8 mars] Fatoumata Bernadette Sonko : « Le féminicide n’est jamais un acte isolé, il y a toujours des alertes ignorées »
While the issue of violence against women remains largely shrouded in silence, journalist and feminist Fatoumata Bernadette Sonko calls for collective awareness. On the occasion of International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, the lecturer and researcher discusses the motivations behind the launch of the Mousso platform, designed to shed light on the often-invisible realities faced by women. In this interview with Seneweb, she analyzes the mechanisms that lead to domestic violence and femicide, and emphasizes the need to better listen to victims and effectively enforce existing laws.
What is the objective of the Mousso.sn information platform?
Mousso's mission is to bring to light issues concerning the diverse lives of women. We've noticed a real media void regarding the problems affecting women. When they are mentioned in the media, it's often in the crime section or to highlight women with a certain social status. We rarely see the daily lives of ordinary women. Yet, women constitute a significant social group. They are often praised in political and religious discourse for their role in society, but beyond this praise, they are neither truly seen nor heard.
Why, in your opinion, do women's journeys and stories remain largely invisible in the media?
We live in a society built on patriarchal foundations. The media reflects this social configuration. The place women occupy in society is generally the same place they occupy in the media. Even journalists, men or women, come from this same culture and don't always treat information differently. The media therefore ends up reproducing the marginalized and diminished place of women in society.
With the launch of the Mousso platform, you chose to address the issue of domestic violence. Why this theme?
Because it's a constant news story. In 2025, nearly twenty women were killed by their husbands, according to press reports. And this figure likely doesn't reflect the full reality, as many cases go unreported or aren't clearly identified as femicides. Femicide is the ultimate stage of violence against women. But it doesn't happen by chance: it's often preceded by repeated violence, a collective silence, and a fear of speaking out. There's also a discourse surrounding marriage in our society that can contribute to this violence. It's therefore essential to reflect on the mechanisms that lead to domestic violence in order to prevent femicides.
How can we limit or ban these femicides?
First, we must understand the mechanisms that lead to it. Femicide is never an isolated act. There are almost always previous acts of violence that have been ignored or silenced. If we can identify these warning signs and act in time, we can prevent these tragedies. It is therefore essential to break this cycle by intervening at the first sign of violence.
Why do these acts of violence often remain unspoken in homes?
This is largely due to education and social norms. Women are often taught to preserve their marriage at all costs. Notions like "mouñ," meaning the ability to endure difficulties in marriage, are valued. Separation and divorce are discouraged. Economic, social, and child-related reasons also contribute. All of this explains why some women remain in abusive relationships.
What are the challenges today?
They are numerous. Producing information about women is not easy, as it doesn't always interest the general public. In newsrooms, stories about women occupy very little space. Many believe that this type of information isn't profitable. Politics, power struggles, or sports like football or traditional wrestling are often prioritized. Yet, talking about women's lives should interest everyone, because they are fully part of society. But there is a hierarchy of information that often leads to women being excluded or only mentioned in sensational contexts.
Is Senegalese society beginning to realize the scale of the phenomenon?
There is a growing awareness, particularly because the media is covering the issue more and the authorities are also addressing it. But understanding remains limited. In some cultures, a wife is sometimes considered her husband's property. Under these circumstances, some believe a husband can dispose of his wife as he pleases. At times, attempts are made to justify these crimes, even though a crime is a crime. Even in media coverage, these femicides are sometimes downplayed or explained by circumstances.
How can we encourage victims to report violence?
It's not easy, because filing a complaint is already an ordeal. First, the officers who receive victims need training so they know how to listen and understand their suffering. Many women feel they aren't believed. It's also necessary to break the cycle of silence and fear by providing spaces where women can speak out and receive support. But perpetrators of violence must also be punished. Without this, some victims may think that filing a complaint is pointless.
Are the legal instruments in Senegal today favorable to women?
There are indeed several laws and legal instruments in place. But the problem lies in their implementation. In many cases, the laws exist but are not applied properly. And this is one of the main challenges. Many women suffer injustices without knowing where to turn. They are not always familiar with the workings of the legal system. For example, some divorced women are unaware that they are entitled to alimony or do not know how to claim it. Legal proceedings can also be lengthy and expensive. It is therefore essential to facilitate access to justice and better inform women about their rights.
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