09/03/2026
OWAY CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
March 9, 2026
On behalf of the Organisation of West Africa Youth, I am honoured to celebrate the strength of past and present West African women on this year's International Women's Day 2026.
The theme, “Give to Gain – IWD2026”, resonates deeply with our mission to empower women and promote gender equality across West Africa.
As we commemorate this special day, we pay tribute to the trailblazing women who have shaped our history and continue to inspire us today. From Queen Amina of Zazzau, the 16th-century Hausa warrior queen, to Yaa Asantewaa, who led a rebellion against British colonialism, West African women have always demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience.
We recognize the contributions of our contemporary icons, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organisation as Director-General, and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the first Ghanaian and African woman to serve as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Their achievements are a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and passion.
We also celebrate other notable West African women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations:
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female President and Nobel Peace Prize winner
- Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
- Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Togo's first female Prime Minister
- Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, Ghanaian business leader and former IBM Africa head
- Ama Ata Aidoo, Ghanaian poet, playwright, and academic
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, acclaimed Nigerian novelist and feminist author
- Farida Bedwei, Ghanaian software engineer and disability rights advocate
These women, and many more like them, are the embodiment of the “Give to Gain” spirit. They have given their time, talent, and energy to create a better world, and in doing so, have gained the respect, admiration, and inspiration of people across the globe.
As the Organisation of West Africa Youth, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting women's empowerment and gender equality in West Africa and beyond. We will continue to support initiatives that enable women to thrive, lead, and contribute to the development of our region.
On this International Women's Day, let us acknowledge the past and present contributions of West African women. Let us celebrate their achievements and recommit ourselves to creating a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all.
Signed
Isaac Asare
Regional Coordinator, Organisation of West Africa Youth