Senegal’s First Lady, Absa Faye, advocated for strengthened healthcare rights for women during the opening of the first International Congress on African Women’s Health in Dakar. She emphasized the critical need for equitable access to healthcare for all women through the effective implementation of universal health coverage. Faye stated that respecting women’s rights and dignity in healthcare is paramount, and medical advancements are insufficient without societal transformation. She positioned women’s health as a non-negotiable human right, stressing that financial status or location should not impede access to care. Furthermore, she called for a holistic approach to women’s well-being, encompassing physical and mental health, alongside combating gender-based violence. Faye urged participants to address stigmas surrounding mental health and bolster support systems for violence victims, also highlighting the importance of preventative measures against female cancers.