On Dakar’s Streets, Working Out Is a Way of Life. Pollution Is Spoiling the Rush.

Sangoné Kandji is a woman, for those who plaintively ask, "Where are the women?" But also, please realize that Senegal is not the USA, and the roles of men and women in Western Africa are not the same as those of men and women in the USA. Dakar is still well over 90% Muslim, a fact which has its effects on the expectations and daily realities of Senegalese women and girls. In a conservative Islamic society, it would be very unusual to find women exercising in public spaces. One would rarely (if ever) see co-ed groups engaged in sport. The exception is women like Kandji: Olympic-level athletes for whom social restrictions are eased, though not absent. Looking for a reflection of equality in a theocracy based upon patriarchy and polygamy is simply not a reasonable expectation, nor is it a reflection of life in Dakar.

This article is spot on...when I spend time in Dakar I usually end up with a sore throat or nasty cold, and the smell of diesel fumes is all too present. A large case is the offloading of old diesel vehicles to Africa from Europe. International support is needed to help non-wealthy countries deal with such levels of pollution.

Women don't exercise in Senegal?

Great article presenting an inspiring side of humanity. When I read "DAKAR" I hear Ofeibea Quist_Arcton say it.

Lovely descriptions about everyday issues in the great and complex Senegalese capital -- issues which are, furthermore, relevant to most city-dwellers. I would love to read more articles like this; articles which describe -- in patient detail -- daily life in other parts of the world, without the usual myopic and distorting focus on war, violence, disease, and the usual headline grabbers.

A city's population doubles in a decade, and we're supposed to act surprised that pollution increases. Growth for its own sake creates problems. How many birth control clinics are to be found in Dakar?

Although one woman athlete is quoted, it would be helpful to understand what proportion of Dakar outdoor fitness enthusiasts are women, esp. when the images seem to feature men, exclusively (although it's hard to tell; maybe some are women). Info like this can help us get a better picture of whether women feel safe enough to join this interesting trend.

Still the industry is selling and promoting heavily unregulated Diesel engines in most parts of the world With no end in sight. So this will continue for decades to come worsening the situation not just there but all over except North America and some parts of Europe like UK and Scandinavia. The rest is basking in unregulated or low regulated , high emission diesel fuel feeding their demand for energy and transportation needs.

Putting the air pollution problem aside, the other major story here is that the people of Dakar are to be held in high esteem for demonstrating their belief in the enormous benefits of getting outdoors and daily exercise. They are taking advantage of the great weather that they have for most of the year. From my trips abroad to places with year round tropical weather, unfortunately, I have observed that many of the people who actually live in these places do not regularly exercise outdoors because nowadays, they tend to stay indoors either on the computer or watching television. I have been to places in the tropics where many natives cannot swim, although they have miles and miles of beautiful beaches, and so, although Dakar has a major pollution air problem, the people there have the right attitude. It would be so bad if most of them eventually stop exercising and stay indoors because the air pollution problem has not been solved by the government.

Anyone working out in a major metro area anywhere in the world including in the US is increasing their respiratory exposure to dangerously polluted air.

Senegal’s people deserve a government that in good faith pursues policies that promote a healthy quality of life. Senegal’s and any other country’s most vital assets are its people and my hope is that Senegal will have courageous lawmakers who will promote people over short-term profits.

Love the insight into a peaceful portion of African life. Hopefully, local officials allocate monies towards modern methods for managing these kinds of pollution issues.

What a great article! At once the reporters have provided insight into developing-world pollution problems, and shown us a picture of African life that fascinating, unexpected, and really kind of inspiring. I'm glad the Times has the resources to fund and such reporting. Keep it up; makes me glad to contribute my subscription fee each month.

Although it is not an optimistic article, it is good to read about something besides our political circus! Also it is a shame. I have heard that Senegal is a wonderful country full of the most generous and warm people. I wish them all the best.

This is not an unsolvable problem. Whether it’s the US helping set up the air monitoring station or the Chinese bankrolling the expansion of the road system, Senegalese must decide for themselves HOW they are going to regulate these sources of emissions. I am happy to read that the worse vehicles the government was able to get off the road. But all the tools and technology AND instituonal support to actually fix your air quality exists. You have to want it!

We should all pay attention. This article describes the future of the planet.

This article makes a convincing case for regulation.

There is not a single comment or image about a female athlete in this article. I'm assuming that Senegal has female athletes so why the omission?

Hard to explain but this article just made my day . Thank you for reporting it.