The DESC & GENDER program is set in a complex context marked by significant problems. On one hand, persistent poverty affects many communities in this region, exacerbated by high unemployment rates and glaring economic and social inequalities. On the other hand, armed conflicts tear apart some parts of West Africa and the Sahel, leading to loss of life, forced displacements, and trauma. Humanitarian crises, whether caused by conflicts, natural disasters, or other factors, have a devastating impact on vulnerable populations.

Additionally, climate change worsens existing problems by causing extreme weather events, food shortages, and mass population displacements. Finally, governance systems, often biased in favor of former colonial powers and local elites, perpetuate inequalities and hinder the implementation of fair policies. The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected by these inequalities, with their limited access to resources, education, and economic opportunities further widening these gaps.

These problems raise a central question regarding the low level of realization of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) of the populations of West Africa and the Sahel. Indeed, armed conflicts have an impact on the rights to health and a healthy environment. Violence and forced displacement compromise the enjoyment of these rights. Furthermore, during humanitarian crises, the rights to food, water, and housing become particularly fragile. Affected populations need continuous access to these resources. Extreme weather phenomena and the massive displacement of populations due to climate change also constitute obstacles to the realization of the right to a healthy environment. Moreover, economic rights, such as the right to work and social security, are essential in the fight against poverty. Access to equitable economic opportunities contributes to reducing these inequalities.Finally, governance systems play a crucial role. Equity in the implementation of policies is essential to ensure economic and social rights.

The realization of these DESC cannot be achieved without considering the gender dimension. Indeed, women are often more severely affected by poverty and economic inequality.

They have less access to resources, education, and economic opportunities, which further widens the gaps. During armed conflicts and humanitarian crises, women are exposed to specific risks such as sexual violence, forced marriages, and human trafficking. Moreover, in some communities, traditional roles assigned to men and women can exacerbate inequalities. For example, women are often responsible for childcare and household tasks, which limits their access to education and paid work. Gender stereotypes can also influence how women are perceived and treated in governance systems. As a result, including women in decision-making processes is essential to ensure equitable policies.

Given this observation, CRADESC has established the DESC & GENDER program to ensure equity, the protection of fundamental rights, and the reduction of inequalities.

Photo: a domestic worker is doing the laundry.

The Strategic Support Project for Domestic Workers (PASTDOM)

The Strategic Support Project for Domestic Workers (PASTDOM) is an initiative of the DESC and Gender Program of CRADESC. It was developed in response to alarming findings regarding the working and living conditions of employees in the domestic sector, which is primarily composed of women. These workers repeatedly face violations of their rights, which undermines their dignity. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of advocacy for the realization of their economic, social, and cultural rights (DESC).

PASTDOM aims to document the violations of these rights in nine West African countries. The main objective is to strengthen advocacy for the protection of the rights of domestic workers and to reduce their social and economic vulnerability in the region.

Strategic axes of the project:

• Mapping of domestic workers’ organizations and advocates for their rights
• Diagnosis of the living conditions of domestic workers
• Critical evaluation of the legal and institutional protection mechanisms for domestic workers
• Strengthening the network to support existing social movements and innovative advocacy based on evidence.