International Women’s Day
Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. It is an opportunity to recognise the progress made in gender equality and, in doing so, highlight the challenges that still lie ahead. This celebration therefore aims to reinforce the importance of the fight for women’s rights. In Africa, this day takes on particular significance, as it is characterised by unique realities that combine progress, challenges and aspirations for a better future.
A day of celebration and recognition For African women, 8 March is above all a day to celebrate the multiple roles they play within their families, communities and society. Whether they are mothers, housewives, agricultural workers, politicians or activists, or even entrepreneurs, African women embody resilience and strength. In several African countries, 8 March is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of women in crucial fields such as education, health and agriculture, where they often form the backbone of the local economy.
A day to reflect on the challenges that remain Beyond the celebrations, 8 March is also an opportunity to highlight the challenges that still hinder the empowerment of many women in Africa. In fact, in several regions of the continent, women continue to suffer from significant inequalities, both economically and socially. Gender-based violence, early marriage, and limited access to education and reproductive health services remain worrying realities. According to UNICEF, sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest rate of early marriage in the world. Similarly, girls are often disadvantaged in terms of access to education, which limits their future opportunities. An opportunity for empowerment In many African countries, 8 March is also an opportunity to encourage women to stand up for their rights and become more involved in politics and the economy. Therefore, local and regional campaigns are launched around the importance of 8 March to educate women about business skills, raise awareness of their legal rights, and promote their political participation. More than just a motto, women’s economic empowerment will be the main focus on this day. The intention is to encourage any efforts to boost women’s financial independence and make it a tool for empowerment. A day of hope for future generations For the younger generation of African women, 8 March is a symbol of hope and inspiration. It reminds them that the struggles of their mothers and grandmothers have borne fruit and that they, too, can shape a more equitable future. The achievements of African women, whether politicians such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first elected president, or activists such as Leymah Gbowee, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, reinforce this hope. These role models show that change is possible and that women’s voices can have a significant impact.
A call for collective action
For African women, 8 March is ultimately much more than just a celebration. It is a moment of recognition, made possible by sustained reflection and mobilisation. Finally, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of working collectively to remove barriers that stand in the way of gender equality and build a society in which African women can fully realise their potential. Although challenges remain numerous, the progress made in recent decades shows that the struggle for women’s rights in Africa is not in vain. Therefore, 8 March is a date rooted in the past but projected towards the future, bringing promise for a continent where women’s voices are heard more strongly and effectively. Sr Florence Toalta – Generalate – Rome
The Thouret Foundation will celebrate Women’s Month with a webinar entitled:
“Women for a dream
that is reality”
Saturday, 28 March 2026
at 3 p.m. Rome time
Save the date
