The lone female presidential contender in Senegal faces slim odds of victory in the upcoming election, yet her candidacy is hailed by activists as a significant stride forward in the ongoing struggle for gender equality within the West African nation.
Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old corporate leader, advocated for the rights of women and youth, demographics disproportionately affected by economic challenges such as high unemployment and soaring living costs.
Ngom pledges to generate millions of job opportunities and establish a women’s bank to bolster their financial autonomy.
“Our country has enormous potential. The natural resources are there, and they can be developed,” she reportedly said.
“The young girls I meet ask for my support. They do so because they know that when a woman comes to power, she will put an end to their suffering. I’m not going to forget them.”
While Ngom is not anticipated to be among the frontrunners for the presidency, activists highlight her historic candidacy as a pivotal moment in the advancement of gender equality.
“We have to be there, even if we don’t stand a chance,” said Selly Ba, an activist and sociologist. “We don’t stand a chance in these elections. But it’s important that we have women candidates, women who are in the race.”
Ngom is the first female candidate to run for president in over a decade, reflecting how progress has been frustratingly slow in the minds of activists who say there has been a reversal among young people toward more traditional views of the roles of women in society.
“Women’s rights have evolved at the political level over the last 10 years and particularly since the gender parity law came into force,” said Bousso Sambe, a former parliamentarian, adding that women have yet to systemically take advantage of the law.
During the 2012 presidential election, two female candidates entered the race, each receiving less than 1 percent of the total vote. Despite their limited electoral success, analysts emphasize the significance of their participation. Presently, women hold over 40 percent of parliamentary seats in Senegal, representing one of the highest levels of female representation in African parliaments.
“It’s crucial to strike a balance between modern evolution and respect for our customs. Women must be able to express themselves without hindrance, while preserving our cultural identity and valuing the traditional values that have shaped our society,” Ngom reportedly said.
Ngom has prioritised the economy as the central focus of her campaign, a stance widely acknowledged by analysts as resonating strongly with the population’s concerns.
The pervasive economic challenges in Senegal have prompted many citizens to undertake perilous journeys in pursuit of improved prospects in the West.
( with input from agency)
Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old corporate leader, advocated for the rights of women and youth, demographics disproportionately affected by economic challenges such as high unemployment and soaring living costs.
Ngom pledges to generate millions of job opportunities and establish a women’s bank to bolster their financial autonomy.
“Our country has enormous potential. The natural resources are there, and they can be developed,” she reportedly said.
“The young girls I meet ask for my support. They do so because they know that when a woman comes to power, she will put an end to their suffering. I’m not going to forget them.”
While Ngom is not anticipated to be among the frontrunners for the presidency, activists highlight her historic candidacy as a pivotal moment in the advancement of gender equality.
“We have to be there, even if we don’t stand a chance,” said Selly Ba, an activist and sociologist. “We don’t stand a chance in these elections. But it’s important that we have women candidates, women who are in the race.”
Ngom is the first female candidate to run for president in over a decade, reflecting how progress has been frustratingly slow in the minds of activists who say there has been a reversal among young people toward more traditional views of the roles of women in society.
“Women’s rights have evolved at the political level over the last 10 years and particularly since the gender parity law came into force,” said Bousso Sambe, a former parliamentarian, adding that women have yet to systemically take advantage of the law.
During the 2012 presidential election, two female candidates entered the race, each receiving less than 1 percent of the total vote. Despite their limited electoral success, analysts emphasize the significance of their participation. Presently, women hold over 40 percent of parliamentary seats in Senegal, representing one of the highest levels of female representation in African parliaments.
“It’s crucial to strike a balance between modern evolution and respect for our customs. Women must be able to express themselves without hindrance, while preserving our cultural identity and valuing the traditional values that have shaped our society,” Ngom reportedly said.
Ngom has prioritised the economy as the central focus of her campaign, a stance widely acknowledged by analysts as resonating strongly with the population’s concerns.
The pervasive economic challenges in Senegal have prompted many citizens to undertake perilous journeys in pursuit of improved prospects in the West.
( with input from agency)