"Rejection" is a short story by Mariama Bâ, which highlights the themes of discrimination and prejudice based on ethnicity, race, social status, and gender. The story follows the protagonist, Ndèye Thiam, who is a young Senegalese woman rejected by her family and society because of her darker skin color and features that do not conform to the idealized European beauty standards. Ndèye experiences rejection from every corner of her life, starting from the childhood days when her mother favors her lighter-skinned sister and discriminates against her. Ndèye's father also humiliates her because of her skin tone and restricts her from going out with friends because of his misplaced fear of disgrace. Ndèye even faces hostility from fellow villagers, who call her unattractive and ugly because of her darker complexion. The story concludes on a sad note, with Ndèye resigning herself to the fate of rejection and exclusion, reflecting on the cruel reality of society that judges and discriminates based solely on external appearance.

"Rejection" by Mariama Bâ is an essay that explores the ways in which women are often marginalized and excluded from societal structures. The essay highlights the experiences of women in Bâ's native Senegal, but also speaks to a larger global phenomenon of oppression and discrimination. Bâ argues that women are often seen as second-class citizens, and that they are routinely denied opportunities to participate fully in society. This rejection takes many forms, from the denial of education and career prospects, to the perpetuation of harmful cultural norms and practices such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages. Despite these challenges, Bâ holds out hope for the future. She believes that through education and advocacy, women can gain a voice and become full participants in their communities. By working to overcome the forces of rejection and discrimination, women can help build a more equitable and just society for all.