The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) commemorates International Women’s Day 2025 with a focus on the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal framework that has shaped the global agenda for women’s rights and gender equality.
The Beijing Declaration, adopted in 1995, called for the dismantling of systemic barriers and the full participation of women in all aspects of life. While Africa has made significant progress in areas such as political representation, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls, challenges such as gender-based violence, limited access to healthcare and education, economic disparities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles still persist.
Some notable advancements in Africa include increased political representation, with countries like Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia, and Senegal leading the way in promoting gender-balanced representation in politics. Additionally, initiatives like the African Women’s Development Fund and the Women in Business program have supported women entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth and innovation on the continent.
However, challenges such as gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, economic inequality, health disparities, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and intersectional discrimination continue to hinder the full realization of gender equality in Africa. The ACHPR calls for accelerated implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and Agenda 2063, aligning national policies with these frameworks, strengthening legal protections for women, and increasing investment in prevention programs to eradicate gender-based violence.
To address these challenges, the ACHPR urges African governments, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to prioritize women’s rights, mainstream gender equality across all sectors, increase access to finance and technology for women entrepreneurs, implement affirmative action measures to boost women’s representation in leadership roles, prioritize girls’ education in STEM fields, and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups of women.
As we celebrate the achievements of African women and girls, it is essential to recommit to the principles of rights, equality, and empowerment for ALL women and girls. The Beijing Declaration and Agenda 2063 provide a roadmap to a future where every woman and girl can live with dignity, freedom, and opportunity. Let us work together towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Honourable Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa of the ACHPR and Vice-Chairperson of the ACHPR
