July 31 marks Africa’s Women’s Day, a moment to honor the continent’s unsung heroines. In 2026, the African Union has dedicated the year to a critical theme: ensuring sustainable access to clean water and safe sanitation to meet the goals of Agenda 2063. Yet, beneath the celebratory rhetoric lies a harsh reality: Senegal’s economy—and indeed much of West Africa’s—relies heavily on women whose labor is both essential and overlooked. These women, whether internal migrants or foreign nationals, form the backbone of a workforce that powers homes, markets, and communities, yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized in public discourse and policy.
