Celebrating Women: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment
Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day. This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment’ to highlight the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment. It also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark document that set the agenda for women’s rights and empowerment.
One woman who embodies the spirit of resilience and determination is Asabeh, a thirty-year-old mother of four living in Lagos. Despite working as a cleaner in a restaurant and receiving a low salary, she remains steadfast in her efforts to provide for her children. Asabeh’s story is a testament to the strength and courage of women who face adversity with grace and determination.
Empowering Women and Girls
The celebration of International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that every woman is a valuable asset to society and deserves to be empowered. The United Nations’ theme for this year calls for action to ensure equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls. It emphasizes the importance of empowering the next generation of women and girls to create lasting change.
Celebrating the African Woman
The African woman is a symbol of beauty, intelligence, resilience, and strength. Despite facing numerous challenges, she continues to persevere and thrive. From being a mother struggling to feed her children to a young girl denied opportunities, the African woman embodies courage and determination in the face of adversity.
On this day, let us celebrate the women and girls in our lives and across the world. Let us show them love, care, forgiveness, and healing, and work towards a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
