Today, as the world marks International Women’s Day, March 8, it is a crucial reminder that achieving gender equality is essential for creating a prosperous world free from poverty. The theme for 2025, "Accelerate Action," emphasizes the urgency of taking swift and decisive steps to address systemic barriers and biases that impede women's equality.

The current global trajectory is concerning. Gender equality is under threat, with the world off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal 5 by 2030. The rise of online disinformation and violent misogynistic narratives, along with legislative setbacks, poses significant challenges. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict, humanitarian crises, environmental degradation, and food insecurity, exacerbating intergenerational inequality. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, it will take until 2158—roughly five generations from now—to reach full gender parity.

To address these challenges, The Centre has implemented a range of initiatives across Africa over the past seven years. Programs such as Nutripreneurs, Fashionistas, EU-Healthy Diets 4 Africa, Creating Sustainable Youths Through Urban Farming (SYMUF), IFAD Agrihub programs, etc., have empowered over 7,000 women through creative arts and agricultural projects. These initiatives have focused on enhancing food security, employment opportunities, and leadership roles for women. The Centre also prioritizes women's voices and leadership, with over 55% of its main workforce being women and 65% holding leadership positions. This commitment aligns with broader efforts across Africa to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, as seen in initiatives like the African Women in Business Initiative and the African Union's Strategy for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment.

Ultimately, building a fairer, freer, safer, wealthier, and greener world requires putting women and girls at the heart of industries and decision-making processes. Accelerated progress on gender equality will drive global economic growth and contribute to a safer world.

What should #AcceleratingAction mean to you? It's about recognizing the urgent need for collective action to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that all women, particularly those most marginalized, benefit from progress. It's about supporting and amplifying the voices of women in all spheres, from workplaces to leadership roles, to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

How can you drive change? By advocating for policies that support women's empowerment, participating in initiatives that forge gender equality, and standing in solidarity with those working tirelessly for gender justice.

This year's theme is a powerful call to action, encouraging individuals, governments, and organizations to contribute to a more equitable society. Progress toward gender equality requires intentional action every day, particularly in supporting women in the workplace by listening to their voices, amplifying their needs, and fostering a safe environment where they can thrive. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let's continue pushing forward together to drive change and support the incredible women leading with purpose.

#IWD #APDC #InternationalWomenDay #AccelerateAction