Women Of Today: In A Position To Change The World

The conversation I had with Tacko deeply touched my heart.

We explored a variety of topics, but I want to reflect on one of her powerful messages that resonated with me, and I felt compelled to share it with all the amazing women out there.

?? When a woman achieves economic empowerment, she gains not only a stronger voice but also the confidence to take control of her life. She can confidently walk away from a marriage that no longer fulfills her needs, pursue her passion for entrepreneurship by starting her own business or investing in her education, and assert her rightful place in society as a leader and decision-maker. ??

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to talk to such an inspiring feminist, author, and groundbreaking artist who has devoted the past 27 years to advocating for the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

Through her vibrant artistic expression, Tacko actively seeks to dismantle the intergenerational cycle of poverty, discrimination, and exclusion that has affected countless women.

She truly works tirelessly to make art that empowers women and girls, encouraging them to voice their stories and advocate for change.

I hope you will love this one as much as I did.

Meet, Tacko Ndiaye, a Feminist Artist and Author.

Isabelle: What do you believe has influenced your life and career path the most? How did you end up doing what you do today?

Tacko: I'd say it?stems from my upbringing in a small town in Senegal.?I grew up under the influence of strong social norms that dictated what a woman's life should look like—what was expected of a girl in terms of behavior, even how she expressed herself. For instance, it?was considered?disrespectful to look someone, especially an older person, directly in the eye.

This overarching idea was that a woman's role was to?be shaped?as a future wife and mother. Everything revolved around "becoming"—who you?were going to?become and how you would be accepted socially within that context.

But within these constraints, there was little freedom to pursue a life that brought you joy truly.

I grew up in an environment where everything?was codified—social norms revolved around family and preserving its honor. It was a tight-knit community where everyone acted like family. For example, even unrelated adults could discipline you if your behaviour wasn't considered socially acceptable. This upbringing instilled discipline and a longing in me for freedom.?

I've always yearned for that freedom since I was young.

It was mainly about the lack of freedom—freedom of movement and expression. Here's an anecdote from my culture: if a young woman lay down with her feet?up?against the wall, it symbolized that she wouldn't travel and live far away.?I used to lie like that all the time, initially?just?to relax.?But once I learned what it meant culturally, I kept doing it deliberately, almost as a silent rebellion. It became a way to dream of freedom and a life I didn't have.

On the other hand, I was fortunate to have?a father who was incredibly empowering—more so than my mother in many ways. And he empowered me a lot. I come from a family of ten children, and?both?my parents were inspiring in different ways. For example, when it came time to decide which of us would go to France to study—because my father couldn't afford to send all ten of us—he chose me.?This?was remarkable, especially since I have three older brothers and a younger brother just after me.

Even within our extended family, there were critical remarks: "Why send a woman so far for education? Women's education doesn't matter as much."?However, my father ignored those comments and prioritized my education.

From my mother's side, I had another strong role model. She was a feminist in her?own?way—a teacher who worked tirelessly even while raising ten children. Eventually, she became the director of the primary school where she had taught. Before her, my grandmother, who didn't have formal schooling, was also a powerful influence. She would dictate letters for us to write on her behalf, then insist we read them back to her so she could ensure they were?exactly?as she intended. Even without having a formal education in French, she could understand everything and demand revisions?if needed.

So, while my environment shaped me, I was also inspired by exceptional role models—both men and women. I learned from men who supported and empowered women and from women who stood up for themselves and their beliefs.

I: Tacko, for an incredible 27 years, you've dedicated yourself to empowering women and girls?around the world, championing their safety and well-being amidst the challenges posed by greed, inequality, patriarchy, and violence. In your experience, what practical steps can each of us take to create a world where opportunities are equal, where gender equality thrives, and where women can feel safe and secure?

T: First of all, I'm incredibly passionate about my work.

Even the art I've developed is an extension of this passion.?This?is the kind of job where I feel?certain?every single day?that it's needed. When I started this work very young, I thought, "Okay, this is so important, but in 20 years, it won't be necessary anymore."?Yet, even now, every single day, I am grateful that I can do something—however small—because of the enduring gender inequalities and violence against women that are so pervasive.

For instance, we can?always?mentor younger women.?We can build their capacity and create spaces where they can speak for themselves, which is the essence of empowerment.

Women know how to express their experiences far better than I ever could. Our role should be to create that space for them to speak out, claim what they want, and demand what they need.

We can also engage in activities that empower women economically, such as income-generating initiatives, enterprise development, or entrepreneurship programs. It's also essential to develop programs that improve how women produce or reduce their workload. In many of our countries, women's work burden is immense. They raise children, pound millet, and perform other labor-intensive tasks, often simultaneously. If you break it down, it feels like there are three days' worth of work in a single day for women.

This workload isn't just disempowering—it perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality from mothers to daughters. When a mother is too burdened with tasks, she might not have time to send her daughter to school, and the daughter might end up absorbed in household chores instead of pursuing an education. Alleviating this burden is crucial because many of these responsibilities are not optional. You can't decide not to feed your children, for example. These are essential tasks assigned to women by society, leaving them little time for productive activities like seeking jobs, earning salaries, or pursuing income-generating opportunities.

This gender division of labor, both within and outside the household, reflects broader systems of inequality. Who has the right to own land? Who has access to resources or the ability to lead and make decisions? These entitlement systems in communities often exclude women. Even though women are central to sustaining social and economic systems—they produce the labor force, feed the labor force, and, in many cases, till the land themselves—they?are still denied?equal access to resources like land titles, quality farmland, water, and credit. Without land titles, for instance, women are often excluded from accessing water rights or collateral for loans, perpetuating economic inequalities.

The lack of value placed on women's work also affects their condition and status.?In some countries,?women's contributions to the care economy and social reproduction are recognized and compensated.?For example, in Scandinavian countries, policies like nine to twelve months of paid maternity leave show how governments can tax productive sectors to support the care economy. This kind of acknowledgment highlights the importance of women's roles in sustaining not only families but society as a whole.

Despite all this, after more than 27 years of doing this work, I still see pervasive systems of discrimination, inequality, and even exploitation—sometimes sexual exploitation—that keep women in disadvantaged positions. However, I?truly?believe that we can all contribute to change. Promoting the right laws, policies, and programs is essential. Creating spaces and providing opportunities for economic empowerment is transformative.

I: Which project stands out as your?greatest?achievement and fills you with pride?

T: I think my?greatest?achievement is a deeply personal one: raising two daughters in a world that often presents unique challenges for women.?It has been?important for me?to ensure they thrive by fostering an environment where they feel empowered through education, skills, self-confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. I want them to understand that they can be transformational leaders, capable of creating change wherever they are, and to appreciate?the opportunities they have—like access to education—while recognizing the responsibility that comes with those privileges.?

Beyond my personal life, my work in empowering women through programs, advocacy, and legislation also fills me with pride. I've worked with parliamentarians to strengthen their capacity to adopt progressive laws and?policies,?while also engaging in local governance efforts to create spaces for women in their communities to participate in discussions on budget allocation and priorities. At the policy level, I've focused on ensuring governments play their role by providing the right incentives, policies, and budgets to support women's empowerment. This combination of personal and professional achievements represents my?greatest?source of?pride and purpose.

I: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your 25-year-old self??

T: Do not postpone or delay happiness. Pursue the things that truly matter to you. My life revolved around becoming the "good professional,"?the "good mother,"?the "good daughter,"?and so on.

We sometimes get so caught up in these roles that we forget about simply being. For instance, I had always wanted to paint but never made the time—until Covid19 hit. During lockdown with my daughter, I realized that life is unpredictable. A new disease was spreading, and no one knew what would happen. I asked myself, "If this is the end, would I feel fulfilled? Have I done the things I've always wanted to do?"?That moment pushed me to start painting and reflect deeply on what truly matters.

If I could speak to my younger self,?I would say:

Work?less.?Enjoy life more. Go for the things that matter to you, and don't be afraid. Reclaim your divine feminine because we, as women, are?divine. Do things that change the world, inspire hope, bring beauty, and develop sisterhood. I used to be shy in my relationships with other women, but now I see how important it is to connect, network, and meet people beyond the office.?

I wish I had done more of that instead of letting my life revolve entirely around work. If I could change anything, it would be to prioritize those meaningful connections and pursue the passions that bring joy and fulfilment.

I: You are a contributor?in?a book called You Matter - How Women Reclaiming Their Power?are?Changing the World.?This book?really?delves into the profound ways?history and culture have influenced women's relationships with power.?In your opinion, how can women boldly step into their power and overcome the challenges of imposter syndrome?

T: It's always important to acknowledge that we, as women, are enough. The way we handle daily challenges is remarkable, even when the odds are against us. I've seen this firsthand in Ethiopia, where women in the Entoto hill in Addis Ababa carry enormous?loads of?firewood up and down the hilly terrain. These women use part of the wood for their families—to heat their homes in the cold climate—and sell the rest for income. Despite the hardships, they are resourceful, contributing to their families and communities.?To me,?they are leaders in their own right, though their efforts often go unrecognized or unaccounted for in formal systems.

It's?crucial for women to be?aware of their inner strength and the impact they can have on the world, even when society tries to diminish their value. Self-awareness and confidence are vital to stand up for ourselves and articulate our contributions, even when they remain invisible to others. For example, the unpaid mental and emotional labor women provide is rarely acknowledged, yet it holds families and communities together.

Mentorship plays a significant role in raising this awareness, especially for women who may not be familiar with the laws and policies designed to protect them. Self-help groups at the community level are?incredibly important, particularly in rural areas where women often lack access to formal legal systems or resources. These groups provide safe spaces for women to speak openly about their challenges and collectively approach local leaders for change.

I: When we think of mentors, we often imagine business mentors.?But mentorship can come from family members, friends, or anyone who supports and guides you, right?

T: Absolutely. In my community, social structures are very different from those in Europe. Families are large and interconnected. Women of the same age form groups, mothers gather with other mothers, and men have their?own?circles. This collective way of living creates spaces where women can share their challenges, learn from one another, and find solutions together. I see much more minor, isolated families in Europe, which often leads to loneliness.

When I was younger, I was critical of my community's norms because they left little room for privacy or individuality. But living in Europe made me realize that women here face their?own?struggles. They lack the extended family networks that provide support back home. I vividly remember being in New York with my young daughter, struggling to push a stroller in the snow, carrying groceries. It was overwhelming. At that moment, I realized that women here are not necessarily "better off."?They face an immense burden, juggling work, childcare, and household responsibilities, often without a safety net.

In my home country, extended families share the load. My mother, for example, raised ten children while working in an office, but she always had support. Here, in Northern countries elderly care and childcare fall entirely on smaller, nuclear families, creating a significant strain. The extended family is?truly a richness, and its absence here?is deeply felt.

I: That interconnectedness sounds like such a valuable support system.

T:?It truly is. And I think creating solidarity networks in communities—where women can support each other, share knowledge, and advocate for change—is vital everywhere, whether in rural villages or urban centers.

I: What women in your life inspire you the most? Did you have any mentors growing up??

T: I had many mentors along the way, some of whom were remarkable women leaders—even though some?of them?were illiterate. I vividly remember one woman from a community where I was working. She was leading a program on HIV/AIDS,?despite being unable to read or write. Oxfam had recruited a coordinator to handle the formal aspects of the program while she remained the local leader, managing it within the community. Her leadership was extraordinary. She was deeply respected and listened to, even while addressing sensitive topics like HIV/AIDS, condom use, and public health in a small village in a predominantly Islamic country.?

It takes a truly exceptional person to break through those social norms and effect change; her courage and vision inspired me profoundly. Her name was Mareme Kaire, and I've never forgotten her.

Later in my career, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors in the workplace—women who looked out for me and guided me. I recall one supervisor discouraging me from applying for a position, saying, "The money might be good now, but it will hurt your career in the long run." I didn't fully understand her perspective at the time, but now I'm immensely grateful for her wisdom. She was?absolutely right.

This kind of mentorship and support network among women is invaluable. Whether in the workplace, the women's movement, or local communities, having the guidance of women who have navigated similar spaces can make all the difference. Their insights and experience shape how we move forward and empower others.

I: Can we talk about your art? What has been your journey?

T: I have always been passionate about art and had envisioned dedicating myself to it after retiring.?My plan was?to learn, create, and eventually exhibit my work in a small museum alongside the art I've collected from different countries. Art was my dream for retirement, but during Covid, everything changed. A close friend lost her husband to the virus—a young couple torn apart. She shared her heartbreaking story during a Zoom call, describing how she couldn't see him in his final days, how their children couldn't say goodbye, and how the funeral was a rushed, lonely affair. Her pain stayed with me long after the call, and I felt compelled to respond in some way.?

Unable to express it?in words, I picked up a canvas and painted. It was my first painting, inspired by the message I wished I could have given?her: "I know your heart?is broken, but please say yes to life." My daughter and a friend saw it and were amazed. Encouraged, I began exploring other themes, creating series such as?She Cries?about women's struggles,?She Smiles?celebrating?joy, and?Not So Equal?reflecting?on patriarchy. One series,?I Am Woman, delved into identity and resilience, while?another addressed women affected by conflict, inspired by the immense burden many carry—pregnancy, homelessness, and the daily fight for survival. Women often become the shelter themselves, embodying protection in the harshest of circumstances.

As my collection grew, I wondered what to do with all the paintings left at home once life started returning to normal.?I?decided to involve?my community, contacting 70 friends worldwide and asking each to write 100 words about women's struggles and solutions.?I compiled their responses alongside the paintings into a publication. What began as a spontaneous expression of empathy during the pandemic became a continuing journey of reflection and advocacy.?My art has since evolved to encompass stories of cancer survivors, women in conflict, and?the?shared struggles and strength?of humanity.?I found a way to transform emotions into a legacy of hope and resilience through painting.

I: A piece of advice for all?the?women?out there?wanting to achieve their goals??

T: Be focused, and don't be afraid.

Articulate your vision clearly and seek help when you need it. Networking with other women is invaluable, as their experiences can save you time and provide guidance. Above all, let your heart guide you in everything you do. If I were to give this advice to my younger self, it would have been centered on efficiency and getting things done quickly. Now, however, I realize the importance of embracing the process itself. The journey—complete with its failures, lessons, and triumphs—is empowering in its own right. There will be shortfalls and ups and downs, but with persistence, you'll ultimately get where?you're?meant?to be.

I: What will be next for you, Tacko? Any plans for the future??

T: I'll?continue doing?the work that I do, but in the future, I would love to pursue a more artistic career.?Right now, I don't have much time due to the demands of my full-time job, which is quite intense. I paint on weekends, but I rarely have the time to network with other artists. Whatever little time I have, I dedicate entirely to the creative process.?Painting has become my go-to activity every weekend, and even?on holiday, it's what I look forward to most.?With the upcoming two weeks off, I can't wait to dive back into it.

It's such a fulfilling part of my life.