In a historic move, Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old business executive, has become the first woman to run for president in Senegal in over a decade. While her chances of winning the election may be slim, her candidacy is seen as a significant step towards achieving gender equality in the West African nation.
Ngom, who is also the head of Sedima, one of Senegal’s largest food companies, has become a voice for women and young people, groups that have been hit hard by the country’s economic troubles, widespread unemployment, and rising prices. She has promised to create millions of jobs and establish a bank for women to support their economic independence.
Her campaign has been marked by a series of rallies, with Ngom greeting supporters during her electoral campaign caravan in Dakar, Senegal. These events have drawn attention to her platform and her commitment to advancing a decades-long campaign to achieve equality.
Activists have lauded Ngom’s candidacy, stating that her presence in the race is helping to advance the struggle for equality. Selly Ba, an activist and sociologist, said, “We have to be there, even if we don’t stand a chance. We don’t stand a chance in these elections. But it’s important that we have women candidates, women who are in the race”.
The divided views over evolving traditional values and norms are emerging on social media. Popular accounts, often Senegalese posting from abroad where there is more freedom to speak out, debate taboo topics like sex before marriage and whether polygamy is fair.
As we look to the future, Ngom’s candidacy serves as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates the potential for change when individuals challenge the status quo and strive for equality. Regardless of the election’s outcome, Ngom’s campaign has already made a significant impact, inspiring hope and sparking change in Senegal.
Source: AP News
