The Network of Young Feminists of Central Africa (REJEFEMAC) recently organized a vigil to honor women and girls who have fallen victim to gender-based violence. The event, which took place on October 27, 2026, at the REJEFEMAC headquarters in N'Djamena, brought together activists who demanded prevention, protection, and justice for victims of femicide. The vigil was an opportunity for the group to proclaim their collective declaration calling for the recognition of femicide as a crime in Chad's penal code.
According to the Chadian League of Women's Rights (LTDF), over 25 women were victims of femicide in the first quarter of 2026 alone. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to address the issue of gender-based violence in Chad. The LTDF and other feminist groups are pushing for the recognition of femicide as a specific crime in the penal code, which currently categorizes it as homicide without acknowledging the gender dimension.
Adeline Negob, president of the Association for the Empowerment of Women, emphasizes the importance of prevention and sensitization in combating gender-based violence. She believes that daily sensitization efforts are crucial in preventing such crimes and calls for increased advocacy to persuade authorities to take action. Negob's sentiments are shared by Rannenda Gonga Union, vice-president of the LTDF, who argues that the law must evolve to effectively address the issue.
Rannenda Gonga Union stresses that it is essential to name and sanction femicide as a specific crime to combat it effectively. She notes that the current penal code does not provide a framework for addressing femicide, making it challenging to hold perpetrators accountable. Union calls for the development of a specific legislation to address femicide and establish adapted judicial mechanisms to ensure justice for victims.
The vigil was organized under the project "Collective Resistance of Young Feminists of Central Africa against GBV" with financial support from the African Woman Development Fund. The initiative aims to transform the grief and pain of losing loved ones into a mobilization for change. The organizers hope that the event will not be a one-time occurrence but rather a starting point for sustained action against gender-based violence.
The demand for recognition of femicide as a crime in Chad's penal code is part of a broader effort to address the issue of gender-based violence in the country. Feminist groups believe that by naming and sanctioning femicide, they can create a more just and equitable society for women and girls. The movement is gaining momentum, with activists calling for collective action to prevent and combat gender-based violence.
The recognition of femicide as a specific crime in Chad's penal code is seen as a crucial step towards holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims. The issue is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach that involves sensitization, prevention, and legislation. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the Chadian authorities will respond to the demands of feminist groups.
Key points
- Chad's feminist groups demand recognition of femicide in penal code to combat gender-based violence.
- Over 25 women were victims of femicide in Chad in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
- Recognition of femicide as a specific crime is seen as crucial in holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims.
