Making collective engagement for gender justice more effective

Context

Mauritanian society is characterised by a high level of social inequality and extreme gender inequality. The discrimination that women face is often based on a one-sided allocation of family responsibilities, patriarchal societal conditions and social norms. Structural and legal discrimination against women is a key obstacle to development.

The Mauritanian Government is displaying a fundamentally reform-minded attitude. The National Observatory for the Rights of Women and Girls (ONDFF) has a formal mandate to observe and evaluate respect for the rights of women and girls in the country, and to develop recommendations to improve lived realities. That said, there is a lack of clarity about its mandate relative to those of relevant ministries and other governmental stakeholders.

Many civil society organisations are also working to promote gender justice. Given that resources are scarce, however, these organisations are very focused on competing against one another for potential funding. This prevents them from working together and forming strategic alliances.

Objective

Relevant stakeholders’ capacity for action to promote gender justice in Mauritania is improved.

Approach

The project is active in three areas:

• It advises the ONDFF on developing its structures and carrying out its tasks.
• It advises and trains the staff of civil society organisations on gender justice.
• It supports governmental and civil society partner organisations in improving their cooperation and connecting with private sector stakeholders.
  This takes place primarily through workshops, awareness-raising campaigns, information materials, and assistance with equipment.

Last update: January 2025