The United Nations’ theme for this year’s Women’s Day celebration is ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” This year also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, for women’s and girls’ rights. Since 1995, the call for gender equality in society has increased and many voices from various parts of the world have joined in this call.
Sr Oluwakemi Akinleye fsp – Lagos.
A brave mother
Asabeh is a thirty-year old woman living in Lagos. She is a mother of four and works as a cleaner in a restaurant. She receives a very low salary but she gets up every day to go to work. She needs the little she receives to feed her children. She is not willing to allow the harsh economic reality of the country crush her effort in taking care of her children.
Get involved for all women and girls
The celebration of the women in society on 8 March annually comes as a reminder that every woman is a gift to be treasured and empowered. According to the United Nations, this year’s theme “calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all.” No woman or girl is to be left behind because she is female. “Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.”
Celebrating the African woman
The African woman is beautiful, elegant, intelligent, strong, resilient and hardworking, yet she is also very vulnerable. She bears the brunt of being a mother with meagre means to feed her children, she is a female child that often lacks opportunity in life and in some cultures, she cannot inherit property because she is female. She is sometimes misjudged for her failures but she does not easily allow her brokenness to define her.
Let this day continue to be for women a day of love, care, forgiveness and healing for women and girls on every continent of the world.
This year’s Women’s Day celebration is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and empowerment. It is a call to action for all individuals to stand up for the rights of women and girls, ensuring that they have equal opportunities and access to resources. As we commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that still exist in achieving true gender equality.
The story of Asabeh, a brave mother in Lagos, exemplifies the daily struggles faced by many women around the world. Despite the obstacles she faces, she remains resilient and determined to provide for her children. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance of women in the face of adversity.
The celebration of Women’s Day is not just a day of recognition but a call to action. It is a reminder that every woman and girl deserves to be empowered and supported in their pursuit of equality. By coming together and advocating for change, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
As we celebrate the African woman, we must acknowledge her beauty, intelligence, and strength, while also recognizing the challenges she faces. From limited access to education and economic opportunities to cultural barriers that restrict her rights, the African woman continues to fight for equality and recognition. It is essential that we continue to support and uplift women in Africa and around the world, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
On this Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for gender equality and empowerment. Let us stand in solidarity with women and girls everywhere, working towards a future where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential and live a life of equality and empowerment.
