Cotonou (Benin), August 8, 2026 (SPS) – The Secretary-General of the National Union of Sahrawi Women, Ms. Shaba Saini, highlighted the situation and struggle of Sahrawi women under the Moroccan occupation.
In a lecture delivered in the Beninese capital, Cotonou, Shaba Saini pointed out the difficult conditions faced by Sahrawi women in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, where they are subjected to intimidation, abuse, and ongoing violations because of their peaceful activism and their defense of the rights of their people, all amid a systematic media blackout.
She noted that women’s suffering cannot be separated from the situation of Sahrawi political prisoners and reports of violations and harsh detention conditions. These circumstances, she stressed, require respect for human rights and guarantees of dignity and fair trials.
By contrast, she added, Sahrawi women have lived in refugee camps for more than 50 years under difficult conditions of exile. Nevertheless, they have managed to turn resilience and dedication into means of preserving the family, identity, and culture, contributing to the organization of society, and confronting the challenges of displacement.
Despite occupation and exile, Sahrawi women have demonstrated that they are not merely victims of the conflict, but essential partners in shaping the future. She noted that they have played a leading role in building the institutions of the Sahrawi state in the political, social, educational, and health fields, while strengthening their presence in decision-making positions and political participation.
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