International Women’s Day 2018

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, commemorated on 8 March, is “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives”.

International Women’s Day comes on the heels of the unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. This has taken the form of global marches and campaigns highlighting cross-cutting issues such as sexual harassment, domestic violence, equal pay and women’s political representation.

Often, rural women are active stakeholders in ensuring food security for their communities, building climate resilience and strengthening local economies. Despite their achievements gender inequalities, because of discriminatory laws and social norms, combined with a fast-changing economic and technological landscape restricts their full potential and leaves them far behind men and their urban counterparts.

Australia Awards – Africa is committed to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) policies and activities, the program recognizes the importance of supporting women so that they can contribute to the development of their communities and countries. This encompasses enabling women to have a say in decisions that profoundly affect their lives and enjoying the benefits that accrue from gender-transformative development.

The program promotes inclusive policies and practices that enable all eligible women, people living with disabilities and those living with HIV to participate in the scholarship program. For more information on GESI achievements download the following infographic:

Many of the program’s Alumni have returned to their home countries and are making a significant contribution to the lives of women and youth in their communities

Click below to see what International Women’s Day means to some of Australia Awards Alumni, working within the women empowerment field: