Senegal Senegal is the most westerly African state, lying in the transition zone between the Sudan and Sahelian belts. The principal ethnic groups are Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Toucouleur, and Diola and the principal religion is Islam.
Women are in general confined to traditional roles.
They are married at young age, half of them live in polygynous unions and they are objects to multiple childbirths. Most women in Senegal have no educational opportunities. However, discrimination against women is pervasive, especially in rural areas. The Government frequently does not enforce antidiscrimination laws. Family and tradition Despite constitutional protections, women face extensive societal discrimination, especially in rural areas where Islamic and traditional customs, including polygyny and Islamic rules of inheritance, are strongest, and women generally are confined to traditional roles.