Banjul, 08th March 2025 – The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.” This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for strategic investments in women and girls to drive sustainable development, equality, and social justice.
Women play a pivotal role in shaping societies, yet they continue to face systemic barriers that hinder their progress. Across Africa and beyond, women and girls still grapple with gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, economic exclusion, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces. As we mark this significant day, ACDHRS reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s rights and fostering an environment where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
Investment in women is an investment in our collective future. When women are empowered through education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, entire communities prosper. Governments, civil society, and the private sector must prioritize policies and initiatives that bridge the gender gap and eliminate discriminatory practices that hinder women’s full participation in all spheres of life.
On this occasion, ACDHRS calls on African governments to:
- Strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Allocate increased funding for women’s education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs.
- Promote women’s leadership and ensure equal representation in political and governance structures.
- Foster partnerships that amplify women’s voices and address the root causes of gender inequality.
As we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women, we must also recognize the work that remains in the fight for gender equality. ACDHRS remains steadfast in advocating for a just and inclusive society where every woman and girl can realize her full potential.
Together, let us commit to investing in women to accelerate progress for a more equitable and prosperous world.
Mrs Hannah Forster
Executive Director
African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies
