In Ziguinchor, UN Women wants to rebuild lives after “barbarism” September 10, 2026

In “Kullimaaroo”, the wounds left by the violence now sit alongside new perspectives for the future. To strengthen support for young girls who are victims of violence, UN Women delivered equipment to the center in Ziguinchor, which welcomes residents from the regions of Ziguinchor, Kolda and Sédhiou, this Thursday, September 10. A partnership agreement was also signed between the two structures.

ZIGUINCHOR – The regional director of UN Women for West and Central Africa, Dr Maxime Houinato, and the country representative of UN Women Senegal, Dr Arlette Mvondo, participated in this initiative intended to strengthen the center’s service package. The equipment provided, in particular beds, freezers and educational equipment, should contribute to improving reception conditions and supporting the reconstruction of young victims. During his mission in Casamance, Dr Maxime Houinato said he was marked by the resilience of women and young girls faced with numerous difficulties. “We met women, particularly widows, who are involved in agriculture while investing in the education and health of their children. In this center, we also discovered young girls who, after experiencing serious difficulties, managed to get back up and obtain brilliant results,” he declared.

According to him, the difficulties encountered by these young girls cannot be considered as individual failures. “Their failure should not be seen as their own. It is also linked to the fragilities of the family and the community. These young girls suffered violence and difficult situations which were not always denounced,” he stressed. UN Women’s support also aims to strengthen their intellectual development. “We want to support them with educational materials to allow them to better understand their environment and become aware of their capabilities as well as the role they can play in the reconstruction of society,” explained Dr Houinato. Created in 2015 by the Platform of Women for Peace in Casamance with the support of UN Women, “Kullimaaroo” supports victims until their reintegration. “Kullimaaroo is a support space for victims of violence, with the aim of gradually leading them towards their economic, professional, educational and social integration,” rejoiced its director, Sira Corréa. Through this partnership, “Kullimaaroo” intends to pursue its mission: to offer young victims a framework of protection, reconstruction and, above all, a real gateway to autonomy.