Accelerating Action for the Empowerment of Women and Girls: Celebrating International Women's Day 2025
bu: Florida Yadao Ledwaba
On 08 March 2025 at 5 pm GMT WFWP Africa held a successful Virtual International Women’s Day Program under the theme "All Women and Girls – Rights, Equality, and Empowerment". There were more than 60 online participants. The program was moderated by Ms. Kwansun Precious Ngobar; WFWP Africa Young Professional’s Coordinator. The International Women’s Day Virtual event highlighted the importance of achieving equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls worldwide. Distinguished speakers from different backgrounds shared their insights and experiences, inspiring participants to take action toward gender equality and empowerment.
Dr. Susan Kone, Regional President for Women’s Federation for World Peace Africa, opened the program with an inspiring message. In her remarks, she underscores the ongoing efforts of WFWP in promoting peace, equality, and women’s empowerment in Africa. She called upon all stakeholders to work together to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls. She said that the challenges facing women and girls especially in the African Continent can be solved women when we all work together in breaking barriers and stereotypes. She concluded by saying that we all need to be more united and proactive so that we can achieve all the agendas that we have pledge to achieve.
First guest speaker, Ms. Asha Omar Geesdiir, Women Peace and Security Coordinator for Banadir Region Administration (BRA), Mogadishu, Somalia, provided insights into the role of women in peace and security. She shared her experiences as a Senior Advisor on women and child protection for the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. Ms. Geesdiir has been instrumental in establishing protocols for women’s representation at the OPM office and has served as the Chairperson of the Somalia National Women Organization in 2010. She underscored the necessity of integrating women’s voices in peacebuilding processes to ensure sustainable peace and development. She said that Somali women have difficult times due to the circumstances in the country and the government has to activate support for women’s development. Ms. Geesdiir said that with collective effort, a world where women and girls can be free from violence and discrimination.
Following the powerful address, the program featured a performance of the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. This timeless piece resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing themes of resilience, strength, and determination in the face of adversity.
The second speaker, Ms. Sandra Aboagye Brenyah, UN Representative for WFWPI in Geneva, Switzerland, spoke on the importance of international collaboration in advancing women's rights. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Human Rights and Governance at Leuphana University in Germany. Originally from Ghana, Sandra’s multicultural experience has given her a unique perspective on women’s empowerment. She emphasized the need for global partnerships and institutional reforms to uphold the rights and dignity of all women and girls. Ms. Brenyah focuses on three key areas: gender equality, good health and well-being and quality education. She shared her personal experience with mentorship and the importance of supporting young women. She discusses her initiative, Women Arise to support female students in Germany. She calls for accelerated action and collaboration among women and be each other’s keepers to achieve success stories.
Then, Sister Elizabeth Kotut from Brahma Kumaris Africa delivered a heartfelt message of peace. She highlighted the role of inner peace in fostering societal harmony and encouraged participants to cultivate a culture of compassion, understanding, and respect for one another. And led the participants in meditation to connect to their inner peace and spread it to others. Sister Elizabeth reiterated the natural qualities of love and peace in women, particularly mothers and sisters.
Finally, Mrs. Jacqueline Aber Sou from WFWP Burkina Faso concluded the event with a call to action. She encouraged participants to actively engage in initiatives that promote gender equality and to be advocates for change in their respective communities. She urged women to support one another in their pursuit of empowerment and leadership.
The Virtual International Women’s Day Program brought together women leaders and advocates to discuss strategies for achieving equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls. The event reinforced the necessity of continued efforts in policy advocacy, education, and community engagement to drive sustainable change. Participants left the program feeling empowered and inspired to contribute to the global movement for gender equality.
