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How Is International Women’s Day Celebrated In West Africa?

How Is International Women’s Day Celebrated In West Africa?

03/08/2023 06:25

Today is International Women's Day celebrating women worldwide and their accomplishments. But what is International Women's Day, and how is it celebrated in West Africa?

What Is International Women’s Day?

Initially created by the United Nations, International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual event on March 8th. This day recognizes women's achievements throughout history while celebrating their ongoing efforts to make the world a better place. It provides an opportunity to commemorate successes and challenges faced by women all over the globe, as well as encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to work together for gender equality.

How Is International Women’s Day Celebrated In West Africa?

The celebration of International Women’s Day in West Africa looks different depending on which country you are looking at. For example, in Nigeria, various events occur each year, including marches, protests and conferences. These events focus on promoting gender equality and encouraging more women to be involved in politics. Other countries like Ghana have similar celebrations with speeches from prominent female leaders who talk about their experiences with gender inequality and how they have worked to overcome those challenges.

In addition to these more formal events, International Women’s Day is also celebrated in West Africa through music, art, and dance. Many traditional African music styles incorporate instruments like the djembe and kora that were traditionally played by women. Artists often use their work to challenge gender norms and celebrate female strength and solidarity. Dance has always been used

Fun Facts About Women In West Africa

There are many inspiring facts about women in West Africa. Here are just a few:

  • More than half of all businesses in Ghana are owned or operated by women.
  • In Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected president, the first female head of state in African history.
  • Nigerian women have made great strides towards achieving educational parity with men; and
  • Senegal has one of the highest percentages of female parliamentarians in Africa.
  • In Mali, over half of the government employees are women.
  • Women account for a majority of farmers in West African countries such as Burkina Faso and Nigeria
  • Senegal is one of only three sub-Saharan African countries that have achieved gender parity in secondary education
  • Angola has the highest percentage (53%) of self-employed women entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • This International Women’s Day, leverage your power. Make a statement on our Facebook post showing the world this mission for equality. Add your voice and share your story.

    Happy International Women’s Day!