Aïssatou MBODJI, General Delegate for Women and Youth Rapid Entrepreneurship (DER/FJ)
With a doctorate in political geostrategy, Dr. Aïssatou MBODJI is a leading figure in Senegalese politics and a model of female leadership. Nicknamed the “Lioness of Baol”, she presides over the AND Saxal Liguey party and was Minister of State under President WADE. As Minister for Women and the Family, she launched the first national gender equity strategy and promoted innovative initiatives for women’s economic empowerment. She was also instrumental in devising and promulgating the law on full parity in elections, a major advance for women’s rights in Senegal.
In 2005, for her life’s work and commitment to children, the U.S. State Department awarded her the honorary title of Pasteur Heroine for the fight against child trafficking.
In 2009, Dr. Aïssatou MBODJI became the first woman mayor of her home town, Bambey.
In 2014, she was elected the first woman to chair a departmental council, where she introduced participatory budgeting. Her transparent management earned her the Label de Certification Citoyenne, awarded by the President of the Republic.
In 2016, she marked another breakthrough by becoming the first Senegalese woman to chair a parliamentary group.
Today, as General Delegate of DER/FJ, Dr. MBODJI works for the economic inclusion of young people and women, facilitating their access to financing and supporting the development of entrepreneurial initiatives. She is also the author of several publications, including a recent work on territorialized gove