Today marks Pan-Africa Women's Day and celebrate 34 years of the Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO), under the theme "Women's Action for Safe Sanitation, Peaceful Communities and Better Livelihoods", paying solemn tribute to the founding mothers of Africa whose courage, political vision and unwavering commitment helped shape the destiny of Africa.
The theme highlights women's role in building safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities.
This year's commemoration featured a high-level breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the African Union Mission to Namibia, bringing together policymakers, development partners, and women's rights advocates to rally support for the ratification and implementation of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls.
The ceremony also honoured the brave African women, Mama Maria Nyerere, Muthoni Likimani and Margaret Kenyatta, who built this movement and carried its framework through generations.
PAWO President Eunice Iipinge said inadequate sanitation continues to deny many African women and girls dignity, safety, and opportunities, exposing them to disease, disrupting girls' education, increasing unpaid care work, and affecting the well-being of families and communities.
She added that the theme reminds people that the struggle for gender equality cannot be separated from development or from the daily realities of African households and communities.
“We are building toilets at informal markets as part of a continental project. So far, we have completed five toilets. We are currently constructing one more, and after its completion, only two toilets will remain to complete the project. This initiative aligns with the African Union's theme for this year, which focuses on water and sanitation.”
Gender Equality and Child Welfare Minister Emma Kantema emphasised the importance of safe sanitation, peaceful communities, and better livelihoods for women and girls, highlighting Namibia's commitment to equality, justice, and women's advancement.
"This day is commemorated to reflect on the issues and challenges that women face across the continent, while also honouring the commitment and dedication of the women who fought in the liberation struggle, as well as those who continue to champion issues affecting women and girls. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that women and girls are free from all forms of harm and discrimination, that women are economically empowered, and that they play an active role as contributors to peace building across the continent.”