Senegal’s sole female presidential candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, though facing slim odds of victory in Sunday’s election, is being hailed by activists as a catalyst for advancing the long-standing campaign for gender equality in the West African nation.
A 40-year-old business executive, Ngom represents the voices of women and young people, demographics disproportionately affected by the country’s economic challenges, widespread joblessness, and soaring costs of living. She has pledged to generate millions of jobs and establish a women’s bank to bolster their economic autonomy.
Ngom’s candidacy marks a historic moment, being the first woman to contend for the presidency in over a decade. While her chances of clinching the top spot are modest, activists see her participation as emblematic of women’s strides in the quest for parity.
Selly Ba, an activist and sociologist, emphasized the significance of female representation in the electoral arena, even if victory seems improbable. The emergence of women candidates underscores a gradual shift towards gender equality, notwithstanding persistent societal barriers.
Ngom’s campaign, anchored on economic revitalization, resonates with many amid widespread concerns about the economy. As economic hardships persist, driving many Senegalese to perilous migrations in pursuit of better prospects abroad, Ngom’s supporters envision her candidacy as a beacon of hope for transformative change in the governance landscape.
