COMBATING A WORSENING SITUATION FOR WOMEN IN CHAD

For years, Chad has had one of the highest levels of gender inequality in the world. Challenges in the Sahel region — such as climate change, food insecurity, poverty, political instability, violent extremism, and conflict — can exacerbate inequality. Globally, there was a 30% increase in gender-based violence reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Chad was among the countries that saw such increases. In addition, “Chadian women are excluded from the peace and sustainable development process — not only at the higher levels but also at the grassroots level,” says Cheick Abdoul Kadri Dit Sékou Diakité, FHI 360 Chad country director. “Yet the participation of women in this process is crucial for peace and democracy in Chad.”