Violence and discrimination against women in Mauritania remain a worrying subject, despite the progress made in recent years. This was highlighted by a group of United Nations experts during a conference organized in Nouakchott on October 6. This intervention took place in a context of controversy around a new bill aimed at combating violence against women.
According to experts, Mauritanian women still suffer from patriarchal oppression in many aspects of their lives, whether in the areas of education, health, work or political participation. Additionally, gender-based violence, such as rape and sexual abuse, is also reported within families and communities.
However, the adoption of a more protective law for women is not unanimous within Mauritanian society. Some imams and parliamentarians reject the bill, deeming it contrary to the principles of Islam and too influenced by foreign values.
UN experts recognize the need to take into account the principles of Sharia law in the development of law, but also emphasize the importance of guaranteeing human rights. They emphasize that denying the existence of discrimination against women only reinforces impunity in the country.
The bill, called Karama, is currently in the hands of the Mauritanian authorities. The government has assured that no proposals contrary to Sharia law will be presented, but it is crucial to find a balance between religious principles and respect for human rights.
The fight against violence against women remains a major challenge in Mauritania, but concrete measures must be taken to ensure the protection of women and fight against impunity. It is also necessary to encourage dialogue and awareness among all actors in society in order to find sustainable solutions adapted to the Mauritanian reality.