Senegalese women fear rights setback over Sonko rape trial

Victim-shaming and culture of silence

Activists said the trial has left the rights of women and victims of sexual violence either drowned out as an issue or sidelined. Campaigners have not only been threatened by Sonko supporters, but many feel that the cause has also failed to gain more attention and support because of Sarr herself.

Her appearance has been widely attacked as vulgar and her testimony as crude, prompting headlines of “X-rated” and “like a porn movie” in the conservative Muslim country.

“Rape is a very painful ordeal,” and victims are “ashamed and hide their faces”, journalist Amy Wane said. Sarr, on the other hand, has been criticised for “flaunting herself” on social media and showing up to court in a “tight red dress”.

Sociologist Rosalie Aduayi Diop, a specialist in sexual violence, described the trial as “theatre.” She criticised the justice system, saying the trial unveils its limits and brims with “untruths from all sides”.

On Friday, the RFS feminist collective released a statement slamming Sonko and the government of Senegal, which, it said, still robs women of their rights.

“The fight for women’s rights in Senegal remains a fight that is certainly endless, but for which we do not shirk at any time,” the statement read.

Despite the country criminalising rape in 2019, activists said survivors face many obstacles, including cumbersome procedures, unsupported management of their traumas and the scarcity of shelters.

Rape remains a taboo in Senegal, and Diop said most victims are unaware of the law and a “culture of silence” persists.

“We always try to work things out within the family,” she said, both to preserve family ties and to avoid “stigmatising” victims.

Some activists said Sarr’s testimony failed to dispel all doubts about the allegations against Sonko.

However, Sonko’s condescending language and his “normalisation” of sexual violence has been condemned in totality. “If I wanted to rape a woman, I wouldn’t choose a brain-damaged monkey,” he said.

In its statement, RFS said Sonko’s remarks perpetuate the damaging stereotype of a “perfect rape victim”.

“All persons, no matter their background and status can be victims of rape,” it said.

The group said the fact that Sonko’s words were eagerly received and admired by a population made up mainly of young people was a grave concern, particularly for survivors of rape.