International Womens Day
International Women’s Day (IWD), observed every year on March 8, serves as a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. The theme for this year (2025) is “Together We Can Forge Women’s Equality. Collectively We Can All Accelerate Action,” which underscores the importance of collective efforts in accelerating progress toward achieving gender equality. It emphasizes that while strides have been made, there is still much work to be done, and real change requires the involvement of everyone—men, women, institutions, and communities.
Across the globe, women continue to face systemic inequality, but the situation is particularly dire in many parts of Africa. Here, women struggle daily with the challenges posed by entrenched gender disparities. Systemic gender inequality limits access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, while deeply rooted cultural practices and societal expectations place women in subordinate roles.
In many African nations, women’s rights are often overlooked or outright denied, and their voices are silenced by patriarchal norms. Laws that restrict women’s freedom, deny them property rights, or prevent them from holding leadership positions in both the public and private sectors are still common.
These challenges are compounded by the harsh realities of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, early marriage, and female genital mutilation, which continue to affect millions of women across the continent. Despite these barriers, African women are continuously fighting for change—demanding equal opportunities, better representation, and a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
However, until real systemic change takes place, these struggles remain an ongoing battle. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognize the resilience of African women while also calling for the global community to work together to create a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to thrive.
1. The Silence of Gender Injustice
Lack of Rights and Voice: In many African countries, women, especially widows, face severe legal and social disadvantages. Widows, in particular, often lose their basic rights upon the death of their husbands. In some communities, they are left without property, inheritance, or even the freedom to make decisions about their own lives.
In many cases, they are treated as second-class citizens, with no authority to speak up about their needs or desires. This lack of agency can also be seen in the broader context of women’s lives in Africa—women are frequently excluded from decisions regarding their families, communities, and even their own futures.
These restrictions are not only socially ingrained but are often upheld by cultural practices and legal frameworks that prioritize male authority. As a result, many women are voiceless, unable to advocate for themselves or seek justice when their rights are violated.
Solidarity Among Women: One of the most striking challenges for women in Africa is the lack of solidarity between them. Women are often expected to support one another, yet there exists a culture of silence, judgment, and sometimes sabotage.
Instead of standing together to fight against the shared injustices they face, many women contribute to the perpetuation of gender inequality by criticizing or undermining each other.
In some cases, women who try to speak out or fight for their rights are silenced not only by men but also by other women, who may fear the consequences of standing up or may have internalized societal norms that reinforce patriarchy. This lack of unity among women weakens the collective power that could otherwise be a force for change, further entrenching systemic oppression.
International Women’s Day Relevance
International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a reminder of the importance of global solidarity among women, a solidarity that transcends borders and cultures. The day aims to uplift women’s voices and empower them to take a stand against gender injustice.
However, this global movement stands in stark contrast to the situation many African women face, where silence and division often prevail. While women in other parts of the world are given platforms to speak and demand equality, African women still struggle to break through the walls of cultural and institutional oppression.
IWD should not just be a celebration but also a call to action to recognize and address these gaps. The day should serve as a reminder of the work yet to be done to ensure that all women, regardless of their background or geography, have the right to speak out, be heard, and live without fear of judgment or retaliation.
2. The Institutionalized Gender Inequality
Laws and Regulations Favoring Men: In many African countries, the legal system is still structured in a way that favors men and perpetuates gender inequality. Laws regarding inheritance, property rights, and marriage often exclude women from equal participation and decision-making.
For example, in some regions, when a man passes away, his wealth and property are typically inherited by male relatives, leaving widows and daughters without legal claim to their deceased husband’s or father’s assets. In some cases, a woman’s right to inherit land or property is explicitly denied, regardless of whether she has worked on or contributed to the family estate.
Similarly, marriage laws in some African countries treat women as minors under the control of their husbands, giving men disproportionate authority over financial and personal matters.
In the political sphere, women are often excluded from leadership and decision-making roles. Even in countries that have made strides towards gender parity, women still hold a small percentage of political positions.
These institutional barriers prevent women from having a voice in the laws and policies that affect their lives, reinforcing the gender disparity at every level of society. Women’s exclusion from these decision-making processes perpetuates a cycle of inequality, as laws and policies are crafted without consideration of women’s needs and rights.
Ministry and Church: The institutionalized gender inequality in many African societies also extends to religious institutions, where women often face restrictions on the roles they can hold. In several African countries, church leadership and ministry positions are predominantly occupied by men, even though women play a crucial role in the spiritual and moral life of their communities.
Despite their deep spiritual contributions, women are often excluded from the leadership structures of religious organizations. In some cases, church doctrines or cultural traditions limit women to specific roles such as caretakers, teachers, or supporters, while men hold positions of authority such as pastors, bishops, and elders.
This inequality in religious spaces mirrors the wider societal structure, where women’s voices are suppressed, and their contributions are undervalued. The church, as a powerful institution in many African countries, could play a significant role in advocating for gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment, yet it often perpetuates the very systems of patriarchy that silence women.
Women within the church are also frequently discouraged from challenging the status quo, leaving them without the institutional support needed to fight for their rights.
IWD’s Call for Equal Rights
International Women’s Day has long been a call for equal rights and the dismantling of systemic barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential. The ongoing theme of gender equality emphasizes the need to break down these institutionalized inequalities and ensure that women have the same rights, opportunities, and representation as men.
In the case of Africa, the legal, political, and religious systems that perpetuate gender disparity must be reformed to ensure women are included in decision-making processes and have the ability to access the rights and opportunities they deserve.
IWD serves as a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is not just a matter of personal empowerment but of systemic transformation. The legal, cultural, and religious structures that continue to discriminate against women must be addressed, and the global community must continue to push for equality, even in regions where these inequalities are deeply ingrained.
In the 21st century, there should be no room for laws, practices, or institutions that actively marginalize half of the world’s population. Women everywhere, including in Africa, deserve equal treatment under the law, equal representation, and the freedom to participate fully in society without fear of discrimination or repression.
3. The Hypocrisy of “Encouraging” Women to Speak Up
Prevention of Expression: In many African societies, women are often told to speak up about the abuse or mistreatment they face, but this encouragement is rarely followed by the support needed to address their grievances. There is a widespread paradox where women are encouraged to report abuse, be it physical, emotional, or sexual, but when they do find the courage to speak out, they are often met with punishment, silence, or backlash.
Women who voice their experiences of injustice are frequently labeled as troublemakers, liars, or attention seekers. This culture of disbelief and victim-blaming discourages other women from sharing their stories, reinforcing a cycle of silence and suffering. The fear of retribution—whether from family, society, or authorities—keeps many women from speaking up at all.
In some cases, their credibility is questioned, and they are made to feel as though they brought the abuse upon themselves. Rather than receiving the support they need, these women are often marginalized, which perpetuates the very systems of violence and inequality they are trying to expose.
The “Throwing Under the Bus” Phenomenon: This paradox of support and silencing is not only perpetuated by men but also by women. The pressure women face from both genders when they take a stand is immense. In many cases, instead of receiving empathy or solidarity, women who speak out against mistreatment are ridiculed, blamed, or ostracized.
This “throwing under the bus” phenomenon highlights the deeply entrenched cultural attitudes that discourage women from supporting one another. Rather than lifting each other up, women are often pitted against each other, with some joining the chorus of blame or turning a blind eye to the abuse.
This is especially evident in situations of domestic violence, where some women may align with the abuser, whether out of fear or because of their own internalized beliefs about gender roles and obedience. The lack of unity among women in these situations weakens the movement for women’s rights and perpetuates an environment where injustice thrives. Instead of standing in solidarity, many women are made to feel isolated and powerless, ultimately contributing to the perpetuation of gender inequality.
The Role of IWD in Breaking the Silence
International Women’s Day, with its global theme of “Together We Can Forge Women’s Equality. Collectively We Can All Accelerate Action,” calls for real action—not just symbolic support. It serves as a reminder that women’s voices must not only be heard but valued and supported. IWD challenges society to move beyond empty rhetoric about gender equality and to focus on tangible actions that empower women to speak out without fear of backlash.
Women must be provided with safe spaces, legal protections, and social support when they choose to share their stories of abuse and mistreatment. In societies where silence is the default response, IWD should be a rallying cry for breaking the silence, encouraging women to speak freely without fear of judgment or retribution. Real empowerment comes not only from the ability to voice one’s experiences but also from having the support of other women and the broader community to enact change.
The world should move beyond just celebrating the achievements of women or offering mere words of encouragement. The focus should be on creating environments where women are truly supported in their fight for justice, where their voices are heard and respected, and where their bravery in speaking up does not come at the cost of their dignity or safety. IWD is a powerful tool for highlighting these issues, but it is ultimately the collective action of individuals, communities, and governments that will ensure that the silence is broken and that the real empowerment of women is achieved.
4. The Consequences of Silence and the Need for Change
Social and Personal Consequences: The consequences of silence—whether self-imposed or externally enforced—are deeply damaging to women, both personally and socially. Women who remain silent or are silenced by societal norms face significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
The trauma of abuse, inequality, and marginalization often festers in the absence of an outlet for expression, leaving women to internalize their pain. This can lead to long-term mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness. Women who are denied the chance to speak out are also denied the opportunity to heal, seek justice, or create the changes necessary to improve their lives.
On a societal level, the silencing of women results in the loss of their potential contributions to the community and the world. Women have vital perspectives, talents, and skills that could benefit their families, economies, and nations, but when these voices are ignored or suppressed, everyone suffers. Societies that silence women miss out on innovation, leadership, and progress.
Additionally, the social fabric is weakened when women are not given the agency to contribute equally to the world around them. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality, stalling the overall advancement of society.
Need for Legal and Cultural Reform: To break the cycle of silence and suffering, urgent legal and cultural reforms are necessary. Legal frameworks must be restructured to ensure that women’s rights are protected, upheld, and enforced. Laws surrounding inheritance, marriage, and domestic violence need to be reformed to protect women from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
This includes removing discriminatory laws and practices that exclude women from land ownership, political participation, and decision-making positions. The legal system must provide pathways for women to seek justice without fear of retribution, ensuring that they are heard and protected.
Equally important are cultural shifts. While legal reforms are essential, changing societal attitudes and norms is key to ensuring that women are not only legally equal but also socially respected and valued. This means challenging long-held beliefs that place women in subordinate roles and advocating for positive representations of women in media, education, and leadership positions.
It also involves creating support systems that empower women to speak up, whether through social services, advocacy groups, or community networks. Women need platforms where they can access resources, find allies, and receive the support they need to fight for their rights and freedoms.
IWD’s Mission
International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action. The fight for gender equality is far from over, especially for women in Africa, where the challenges of silence, marginalization, and legal exclusion persist. IWD should remind us that women everywhere need more than symbolic gestures or occasional expressions of support; they need tangible, systemic change. The global community must work together to address the gaps that continue to perpetuate inequality.
IWD’s mission must be about more than just raising awareness—it must also be about accelerating the action required to break down the systemic barriers that hold women back. Women in Africa, and all over the world, need comprehensive reforms that guarantee them equal rights, opportunities, and protections. This requires the collective effort of governments, institutions, and individuals to create an environment where women are free to live fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Only then can we ensure that the next generation of women will inherit a world where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their potential is fully realized.
5. A Personal Struggle
The Heartbreaking Reality of Many African Women: The personal cost of living in such an oppressive environment is devastating for many African women. They are often caught in a painful and difficult dilemma—choose to survive in an unjust system that continually denies them their rights or fight against a system that seems overwhelmingly stacked against them.
For many women, the daily struggle is not only about securing basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, but about navigating a world where their existence and contributions are undervalued.
In some cases, the fight for survival can feel like a constant balancing act between staying silent to avoid punishment or ostracism, and speaking out, which often leads to further isolation, ridicule, or violence.
The emotional toll of this struggle is immense. Women who dare to challenge the status quo often face backlash from both their families and communities, and in some cases, they risk losing everything—including their homes, livelihoods, and personal safety. This environment of fear and repression makes it difficult for women to dream or aspire beyond their immediate survival.
They may feel trapped, forced to make heartbreaking choices where their dignity and rights are compromised just to secure a place in a society that tells them they are inferior. This harsh reality is one that too many African women face daily, and it reinforces the deep barriers that need to be overcome.
The Need to Fight Back: Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is a critical need for women to continue pushing for change. The fight is not only for personal empowerment, but for the well-being and future of generations to come. Women who stand up against the injustice they face, even when it seems like the system is rigged against them, are laying the groundwork for future change.
The bravery of these women, even in the face of great adversity, has the potential to ignite larger movements that can shift cultural and legal paradigms. While progress may seem slow and the road long, each act of defiance, no matter how small, brings the world one step closer to gender equality.
This struggle is not just about individual victories—it’s about ensuring that the daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of today’s African women will inherit a world where their rights are not just acknowledged, but protected. It is about leaving behind a legacy of change that will provide future generations of women with the tools, rights, and opportunities to thrive without the fear of oppression. The need to fight back is not just about individual survival—it’s a collective call for justice, one that will echo for years to come.
IWD’s Promise of Equality
International Women’s Day serves as an essential reminder that while we celebrate the progress we’ve made in the fight for gender equality, there is still much work left to be done—especially for women in Africa, who are still fighting for their most basic rights and dignity.
IWD’s promise of equality should not just be a reflection of how far we’ve come but a call to acknowledge the significant gaps that still persist. The fight for gender equality is a global effort, but it must be especially attentive to the realities women in Africa face, where legal and cultural barriers still severely limit their freedom and opportunities.
For African women, IWD is not just a celebration of their achievements but also a rallying cry for justice. It should be a day to recognize their struggle, validate their experiences, and renew the global commitment to advancing women’s rights, particularly in regions where systemic oppression continues. By honoring the courage of these women, we are reminded that the journey toward equality is ongoing and requires collective action, reform, and an unwavering belief in the right of every woman to live freely, safely, and fully.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration; it is a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made in the fight for gender equality and to recognize the significant work that still lies ahead. This year’s theme, “Together We Can Forge Women’s Equality. Collectively We Can All Accelerate Action,” reminds us that achieving true gender equality requires collective effort, systemic change, and a commitment to action. While we acknowledge the strides made by women around the world, particularly in the realms of education, politics, and the workforce, we must also confront the harsh realities that still exist—especially for women in Africa.
The struggles African women face—systemic gender inequality, cultural oppression, and limited access to rights—are not just obstacles for them, but for all of us as a global community. IWD should be a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is ongoing and that we cannot rest on past achievements. It is a call to action for all of us to challenge the ongoing injustices faced by women, particularly those in Africa, and to work tirelessly to break down the barriers that keep them from realizing their full potential.
I urge you to not only celebrate the successes of women worldwide but to also take meaningful action in the fight for their rights. Support local initiatives that advocate for women’s empowerment, amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and challenge the laws and cultural norms that perpetuate inequality. Together, we can accelerate the progress toward equality and ensure that every woman—no matter where she lives—has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, freedom, and full potential. The work is far from finished, and we must continue to unite in solidarity to create a world where women are truly equal.
FAQS on International Womens Day
Why is International Women’s Day celebrated?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated to honor the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. The day is a call for collective action to address gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality, aiming to create a more inclusive and equal world for all women, regardless of their background or location.
What is the best message for Women’s Day?
A meaningful message for Women’s Day could be:
“Here’s to strong women everywhere—those who have paved the way, those who are breaking barriers, and those who continue to inspire change. May we honor the women in our lives and work together for a world of equality, empowerment, and opportunity for all.”
What is the color associated with International Women’s Day?
The color most commonly associated with International Women’s Day is purple. Purple symbolizes justice, dignity, and the fight for gender equality. It has historical significance as the color of the women’s suffrage movement.
How do you say Happy Women’s Day?
You can say “Happy Women’s Day” or use the following greetings depending on the context:
- “Wishing you a wonderful International Women’s Day!”
- “Happy Women’s Day! Here’s to celebrating women and empowering each other!”
- “Cheers to the incredible women around the world! Happy Women’s Day!”
These messages can be shared in both professional and personal contexts to express appreciation and solidarity.
