Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old businesswoman, is the first woman to challenge for Senegal’s presidency in over a decade. While victory seems unlikely, her candidacy marks a milestone in the fight for gender equality.
Ngom champions policies to uplift women and youth, Senegal’s demographics most affected by economic hardship. Her platform focuses on job creation and a dedicated bank for women’s financial empowerment.
Despite Ngom’s groundbreaking candidacy, progress towards gender equality remains uneven. Social media debates expose a clash between modern values and traditional views on women’s roles.
Senegal has nonetheless made strides. The 1990s saw a surge in women’s rights activism, culminating in the appointment of the country’s first female prime minister in 2001. A 2010 law mandating gender parity on candidate lists further boosted female political participation.
Today, Senegalese women hold over 40% of parliamentary seats, a high mark in Africa. Ngom herself acknowledges the need to balance modernisation with cultural respect.
Economic hardship is a top concern for Senegalese voters, and Ngom prioritises this issue in her campaign. Her supporters are energised by her candidacy and hope for a brighter future.
Whether Ngom wins or not, her presence in the race is a victory for gender equality. It sparks crucial conversations about women’s empowerment and the future of Senegalese society.