First woman to run for presidency in years inspires hope in Senegal

Presidential candidate Anta Babacar Ngom has provided a figurehead for equality (AP)

Senegal’s only female presidential candidate may stand little to no chance of winning in Sunday’s election, but activists say her presence alone is helping to advance a decades-long campaign to achieve gender equality in the West African nation.

Anta Babacar Ngom, a 40-year-old business executive, is a voice for both women and young people – groups hit hard by the country’s economic troubles, widespread unemployment and rising prices.