The article discusses the transformation of LGBTQ+ rights and perceptions in Senegal, focusing on the historical figure of the 'Góor-jigéen' or 'men-women'. It traces the evolution from a time when gender fluidity was accepted and integrated into society to the current state where homosexuality is stigmatized and associated with colonial laws. The story is told through the experiences of Junior, a young gay man in Dakar, and includes insights from sociologists and anthropologists. The article also touches on the colonial roots of homophobia in Senegal and how colonization has led to a loss of historical memory regarding gender diversity. It concludes with a personal affirmation from Junior about his masculinity and sexuality.

The article explores the transformation of gender identity and the rise of homophobia in Senegal, tracing back to its colonial roots. It contrasts the past acceptance of 'Góor-jigéen' or 'men-women' in Senegalese society with the current derogatory use of the term and the harassment faced by those perceived as effeminate. The piece includes insights from various academics and references to historical accounts, suggesting that colonial laws introduced homophobic attitudes that were not originally present in Senegalese culture. The article is part of the 'Cry Like a Boy' series by Euronews, which examines the pressures of masculinity and its impact on society across the African continent.

The article discusses the emergence of male doulas, known as Nijaayu Gox, in Senegal, highlighting the cultural shift in a society where traditionally, pregnancy and childcare were considered exclusively women's responsibilities. Makhtar Aidar, a municipal councillor and gender equality activist, is one of the first male doulas in Pikine Ouest, a suburb of Dakar. The article explains how the Nijaayu Gox program aims to involve men in their wives' pregnancies to strengthen family ties and improve parenting skills, which could potentially reduce the high maternal mortality rate in Senegal. The program faces challenges such as societal perceptions of men's roles and workplace policies. The article is part of Euronews' original series and podcast 'Cry Like a Boy', which explores men challenging stereotypes across Africa.

Journalist Marta Moreiras, along with her team, investigates the challenges faced by gay men in Senegal, where homosexuality is criminalized and culturally stigmatized. The term 'Góor-jigéen' is used derogatorily to describe gay men, undermining their masculinity. The article features the story of Junior, a gay Senegalese man who conceals his identity due to fear of rejection, persecution, and imprisonment. The series 'Cry Like a Boy' by Euronews aims to explore the harmful effects of rigid gender stereotypes and the pressure to conform to traditional masculinity. It also touches on the historical context of homosexuality in Senegal, suggesting that there was a time when 'Góor-jigéen' were accepted. The article includes insights from experts and references to the broader issue of LGBTQ+ rights in Africa and globally, highlighting the legal and societal challenges faced by the community.

Spanish photographer Marta Moreiras has captured the attention of Dakar, Senegal, with her project featuring fathers carrying their babies on their backs, challenging the local gender norms. This project, which has been shortlisted for the portraiture category of the Sony World Photography Awards Professional competition, aims to break the stereotype that only mothers carry babies. Moreiras noticed the lack of images depicting men in caregiving roles and decided to change that by photographing male friends and acquaintances in public spaces with their children. The project has sparked conversations, especially as it included recognizable figures like the rapper Badou. The portraits were exhibited at Dak'Art, the African Contemporary Art Biennale, and Moreiras considers this a never-ending project to balance the representation of gender roles in parenting.

The Films Femmes Afrique (FFA) festival in Senegal, dedicated to honoring African women and their struggles on the continent, returned for its fourth edition with the theme 'women in resistance.' Over two weeks, 63 films with a gender focus were showcased across Dakar and eight other cities, reaching 12,000 viewers. The festival featured a competitive section, masterclasses, and roundtables on harassment and violence against women. The opening film, 'Papicha,' directed by Mounia Meddour, depicted the resilience of women during Algeria's civil war. FFA has grown since its inception in 2004, with over 150 films and 30,000 attendees. The festival also provided a platform for new African filmmakers, like Mamadou Dia, and included discussions on a new Senegalese law that increases penalties for sexual assault. The best feature film award went to 'Adam' by Moroccan director Maryam Touzani, and the event concluded with a film workshop for women.

Saint Louis, a coastal city in Senegal, is accustomed to biodegradable waste but is facing challenges with the management of trash due to the influx of plastics and other materials.

For 14 years, the Tënk meetings have provided filmmakers the opportunity to present their projects to a committee of experts who assess the possibility of producing and supporting the proposals.

In Senegal, only 25 out of every 100 scientists are women, below the global average. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlighted efforts to change this, with UNESCO Dakar hosting an event. Soukèye Dia Tine, a researcher and professor, spoke of government initiatives and investments to reduce inequality. The City of Knowledge project and a reform program with 11 measures aim to promote science, technology, and innovation. SONATEL and Orange are involved in supporting women in technology, with SONATEL organizing a startup contest and Orange launching the Orange Woman program. Success stories include Youma Fall's textbook exchange app Weccio and Dicko Sy's digital seed market AAWDI. Despite these efforts, structural reforms in education are needed to overcome the low success rate in baccalaureate exams and to meet academic demand.

A festival in Senegal, SunuVillage, is highlighted for its focus on combating climate change, demonstrating the local population's awareness and concern for the future of our planet.

Vincent Hanrion, inspired by a trip to Senegal in 2014, created Cinécyclo, a project that brings cinema to remote areas without electricity by using a bicycle-powered generator. With the help of Ibrahima Dionne and a local team in Dakar, they crafted the generator from recycled materials. Hanrion pedaled 3,000 kilometers across Senegal, reaching over 10,000 viewers in rural areas. The project, which began in 2015, aims to raise environmental awareness through films related to nature and agriculture, often in the local Wolof language. Local associations and funding from various embassies and regions support the initiative. The project has been successful, with films like 'Binta and the Great Idea' resonating with audiences. Cinécyclo has proven that cinema can reach even the most inaccessible places, bringing communities together and educating them on environmental issues.

The Jacobo Romero Rivera School, the second public special education school in Senegal located in Palmarin, has transformed the lives of children with disabilities, including Khady, who has overcome her challenges to become sociable and integrated into her community. The school, founded by Bego and Jon, a Galician-French couple, began in 2014 and has since provided individualized education programs for its students. The school's success is a testament to the community's shift in perception towards disabilities, moving away from seeing them as divine punishment to recognizing them as a valuable difference. This change has led to a more inclusive and just society in Palmarin, where children with disabilities are now actively and effectively participating in the community.

Senegalese filmmaker Angèle Diabang, founder of Karoninka, reflects on her career and the innovative work her production company has done in exploring new realities of the African continent through cinema. As she approaches the tenth anniversary of her company, she discusses her documentary 'Congo, un médecin pour sauver les femmes', which highlights the efforts of Dr. Denis Mukwege in providing medical care to victims of sexual violence in Congo. Diabang emphasizes the importance of overcoming barriers and decolonizing minds for development. She views her identity as a black Senegalese woman as an advantage in the film industry, providing her with unique perspectives and access. Her work not only offers new insights but also aims to stir consciousness and dialogue on issues such as sexual violence as a weapon of war and African traditions like polygamy.

Gorée Island, once the main port of departure for slaves from West Africa to America, is now a significant symbol of democracy, culture, and development.