Social & Human Sciences

© Seya Ndiaye, DPC
Promoting social inclusion is a UNESCO top priority. Here village life in the Siné Saloum region of Senegal.

The Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO Dakar works to developing knowledge, standards and intellectual cooperation in order to facilitate social transformations based on the universal values of justice, freedom and human dignity.

The main activities of the Office include:

Research on social inclusion

The Office launched two studies in 2011 in collaboration with the UN Women and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA):

  • An analysis of the social movement of women in West Africa to determine their ability to claim and enjoy their political rights in the Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and The Gambia;
  • An analysis of gender-based violence in West Africa through case studies in the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal.

Research Programme on social transformation in Africa

UNESCO Dakar has initiated a series of national seminars in various West-African countries within the framework of its MOST Programme (Management of Social Transformations).

These seminars multidisciplinary by nature allow researchers, academics, government and civil society to reflect on the theme "Nation-states and the challenges of regional integration".

The programme resulted in the establishment of the Institute for West Africa in 2008, with headquarters in Cape Verde. The Institute is devoted to multidisciplinary research, advocacy on regional integration and follow up to regional protocols. About MOST Institute for West Africa.

Ethics of science and technology

UNESCO Dakar develops ethics teaching programmes and creates committees dealing with ethic-related issues. In 2011, the Office supported, for example, the establishment of a French-speaking group of experts devoted to ethics related to environmental issues.

Reflections on cultural rights

UNESCO Dakar is instrumental in putting the issue of cultural rights on the agenda. Reflections with relevant stakeholders are currently taking place in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and The Gambia. The aim is ensure a participatory process that includes all social layers. This is a joint activity with the Culture Sector at UNESCO Dakar.

 

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