Why International Women’s Day Matters, In Africa?

Nothing in life is just handed over on a silver platter. You have to earn it, be dedicated to it, and be passionate about it.- Olivia Charlio

Little is known about the International Women’s Day among the lower class members of the society in Africa. Though, the Day is popular occasion among the upper-class groups and city people.

Very few elites really grasp the essence.

Let’s journey through history in a moment.

The International Women’s Day celebrations began on February 28, 1909, in New York, America. Due to the increasing mistreatment of women, it was agreed and adopted across the world. Thus, March 8th of every year is chosen as International Women’s Day.

Also, the International Women’s Day was born out of the need to protect women’s rights against gender assault and harassment. In other words, the gesture is to reduce, nay eradicate, the age-long divide between man and woman a step-at-a-time.

In a continent dominated by men, Africa women are the most oppressed and repressed in the society. Because of man’s complex, he views woman as second fiddle whose opinions do not matter. Right from childhood, a girl-child is condemned as being inferior to boys.

Thus, she carries until adulthood.

Sadly, girl-child is often a victim of kidnaps, rapes, and trafficking. An instance was Dapchi girls recently kidnapped a couple of days ago by alleged Boko-Haram insurgents. This happened in North Eastern part of Nigeria. All in the name of the militias believes that girls are not fit to have a western education.

My mum was a victim, as well. She was severely brutalized by my dad over trivial altercations. She was at the receiving end of domestic assaults spanning decades.

Each time these occurred, I always felt her pains. Thus, I decided to speak up for these injustices by taking to writing; and become a better man than him.

In addition, this is easily noticeable in politics and religious setting. In politics, people frown at women showing interests in leadership positions, including public services and churches. They view such women with suspicions and disrespects to the men’s dominated institutions.

Its high time Africa men knew that “when dance tune changes, dance steps changes as well.”

Conclusively, the new philosophy is that Africa women are the future. Example of innovative and exceptional Africa women leaders include the former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, two-term former Nigeria minister of finance, Dr Mrs Okonjo Iweala, awarding winning novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These are a few of the most powerful women, young ladies can draw inspirations from.

Women of all ages and races must come to term with the fact that power does not exist in a vacuum. No worthwhile position is given on a platter of gold. So, they must struggle for it with every strength they’ve got.

Once against shouts out to all women out there! This is your day. Make the most of it.

Mused by Bob Marley’s Music track, titled, “No woman no cry.”