This Sunday, March 8, 2026, the world celebrates International Women's Day, an opportunity to recognize the progress made in gender equality while highlighting the challenges that persist. This day, officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, is a time for demonstrations and demands for equality across the globe.
Cameroonian author Hugues Seumo uses this day to share his reflections on the place of women in contemporary society. He questions the perception of women, torn between traditional roles and modern aspirations. Seumo points out that women are present in all aspects of life but remain underrepresented in the spheres of power and decision-making.
In Africa, the reality is often marked by persistent inequalities. Women face obstacles such as lack of access to property, education, and healthcare. They are often confined to domestic and agricultural roles, despite their essential contribution to the family and society. Seumo insists on the need to guarantee African women the same inalienable rights as men, including access to education, health, and means of subsistence.
In the West, although women enjoy more legal protections, they remain a minority in management positions and decision-making bodies. The March 8th day is therefore an opportunity to reaffirm women's determination to continue building a more egalitarian society, where their contribution is fully recognized and valued.
Hugues Seumo calls on women to stand up and claim their rights with one voice, encouraging them to no longer be satisfied with simple celebrations but to act concretely to eliminate prejudices and inequalities. He recalls an African proverb that emphasizes the importance of not hiding one's suffering but expressing it to find solutions. International Women's Day is therefore a call to action, solidarity, and perseverance in the fight for gender equality.
The theme for International Women's Day 2026 is "Give to Gain" – a call to help forge gender equality through abundant giving. When people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. When women thrive, we all rise.
In 2026, the world will also celebrate 115 years of International Women's Day, as it was first observed internationally in 1911.
On this March 8, 2026, let us reaffirm the importance of guaranteeing rights, justice and action for all women and girls.
