“I raise my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” — Malala Yousafzai
In a crowded conference hall in New York, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), stood before an audience of global leaders. She recounted her journey—how she had to fight for a seat at the table in a world where leadership was often defined by men. “I was once told I was too ambitious, too strong-willed,” she said, “but the world needs ambitious women. We belong in leadership, in decision-making, in every room where progress is shaped.” Her words resonated with millions of women worldwide who continue to push against the barriers that hold them back. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” serves as a powerful reminder that the time for incremental change is over. Now is the moment to take bold, decisive steps toward gender equality and ensure that women’s voices are heard, valued, and empowered.
Women Rising: Breaking Chains, Building Dreams
Despite the progress made, the numbers tell a sobering story. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap if progress continues at the current rate. Women make up 50% of the world’s population, yet hold only 28% of parliamentary seats globally and less than 10% of Fortune 500 CEO positions. In many parts of the world, women still lack basic rights—education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection from gender-based violence. But despite these challenges, women everywhere are rewriting the narrative.
Celebrating the Strength, Resilience, and Vision of Trailblazing Leaders Shaping the Future
Women are stepping into leadership like never before, proving that the world thrives when they take charge.
- Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female President, is spearheading policies that promote gender equality and economic empowerment. Under her leadership, Tanzania has seen significant improvements in economic stability and social welfare programs. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s representation in government and business, ensuring that policies actively support the inclusion of women in decision-making spaces.
- Dr. (Mrs) Ibifuro Ken-Giami, Executive Director of the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and Publisher of Amazons Watch Magazine, is championing women’s leadership and gender equality across Africa and beyond. Through her work, she has created platforms that amplify the voices of women leaders, ensuring they have the visibility and support needed to effect real change in their communities and industries
- H.E. Rossana Briceño, First Lady of Belize, is a strong advocate for education, women’s rights, and social welfare. She has been instrumental in improving family and child development policies, working closely with international organizations to advance the rights of women and children in Belize. Her tireless efforts have brought significant reforms in education accessibility and gender-based violence prevention programs.
- H.E. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, has been instrumental in promoting gender equity, economic inclusion, and healthcare initiatives for women. She has launched initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged women, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring that women’s health remains a national priority.
- Filomena Mendes Goncalves, Cape Verde’s Minister of Health, is leading critical health reforms to improve women’s healthcare access and maternal health outcomes. She has been a champion for reproductive health rights and has worked to increase funding for maternal healthcare services, ensuring that women in Cape Verde receive high-quality medical attention.
- Ibukun Awosika, Nigerian business mogul and former Chairperson of First Bank Nigeria, continues to mentor women in leadership and entrepreneurship. She has dedicated her career to building sustainable businesses and empowering young African women through mentorship and education. Her impact extends beyond finance, as she actively champions women’s financial literacy and independence across the continent.
These women and countless others are proving that leadership is not defined by gender but by courage, vision, and impact.
The Economic Powerhouses: Women Transforming Industries
Women-owned businesses contribute $5 trillion to the global economy annually, yet they receive only 2% of venture capital funding. In Africa, women entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a higher rate than men, yet they lack access to funding and market opportunities. Organizations like the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), She Leads Africa, and many others are working to change this by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to women-led enterprises.
Education: Unlocking the Future for the Next Generation
Investing in girls’ education is one of the most powerful ways to achieve gender equality. According to UNESCO (2024), every additional year of schooling can increase a girl’s future earnings by 10-20%. Programs like the Malala Fund and Camfed are ensuring that girls, especially in underserved communities, have access to quality education.
Amazons Watch Magazine’s Call to Action: Elevate, Empower, Celebrate
At Amazons Watch Magazine, we believe in a world where every woman belongs. We call on governments, businesses, and individuals to:
Invest in Women’s Leadership: Women have proven time and again that when they lead, they create policies and innovations that drive sustainable economic and social progress. Governments, corporations, and institutions must take deliberate steps to increase women’s representation in politics, executive leadership, and boardrooms. This means implementing mentorship programs, leadership training, and quota systems that ensure women have equal opportunities to ascend into decision-making positions.
Close the Pay Gap: Despite making significant contributions to the workforce, women still earn less than men for the same work across nearly all industries. Achieving equal pay for equal work requires not just awareness but legislative action, corporate accountability, and salary transparency. Companies must commit to fair compensation structures, while governments must enforce policies that protect working mothers, provide paid parental leave, and establish affordable childcare support to eliminate career barriers for women.
End Gender-Based Violence: No woman should live in fear of violence, discrimination, or oppression. Yet, millions of women worldwide continue to experience gender-based violence in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Ending this crisis demands stronger laws, stricter enforcement, survivor support services, and widespread education to challenge deep-rooted gender biases. Governments must criminalize all forms of gender-based violence, while society must work to dismantle harmful cultural norms that perpetuate it.
Support Women Entrepreneurs: Women-led businesses fuel economies and drive innovation, yet they receive only 2% of global venture capital funding. Financial institutions, investors, and policymakers must expand access to capital, create women-focused business grants, and foster networks that connect female entrepreneurs with mentorship and growth opportunities. By supporting women-owned businesses, we unlock new economic potential and create inclusive markets that benefit everyone.
Champion Education for Girls: Education is the foundation of empowerment, yet millions of girls worldwide are still denied access to schooling. Studies show that every additional year of education can increase a girl’s future earnings by 10-20%, reduce child marriage rates, and improve healthcare outcomes for future generations. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to provide scholarships, eliminate school fees, combat period poverty, and invest in digital learning opportunities for girls in underserved regions. A world where every girl has access to quality education is a world that thrives.
This Is Our ime
This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond conversations and take action. Let’s create a world where women are not just included but celebrated, empowered, and given the space to thrive. Because when women rise, the world rises with them.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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