Passion or Profession: First Female Presidential Candidate

Period: 1960–

In 2003, 43-year-old businesswoman Aicha Mint Jeddan became the first woman to run for the presidency of the country. She already held a high position in a ruling party, the Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS). She promised to change the image of Mauritanian women, but was unable to continue with her plans after receiving only .47 percent of the vote.