by 
Pan-African Women’s Day, observed each year on July 31st commemorates the first Pan- African Women’s Conference held in Dar es Salaam in 1962. It was on this occasion that the Pan- African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) was formed to promote gender equality, women’s rights and empowerment with a view of ensuring that women’s contributions to Africa’s struggle for independence is fully recognised and integrated in the African narrative.
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) commemorates this day advocating for on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa to reflect on progress made, challenges and opportunities towards gender equity and women’s empowerment in Africa.
AWLA Country representative, Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire highlighted that women’s empowerment are a prerequisite for realising the aspirations, goals, and targets embodied in Agenda 2063, and platforms must be provided for sharing African good practices and experiences in addressing gender disparities and promoting women’s empowerment. She further reminded us that “We have made significant strides towards the mission of empowering women so that they can continue to be the driving force behind Africa’s economic growth.”
“Our mission at AWLA to accelerate gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment remains steadfast”, said Mrs. Orire.
Africa’s Women’s Day offers a national, continental and global opportunity to recall and affirm the significant role of African women in the evolution of a strong Pan-African identity, with shared values, objectives and vision for the future, as well as women being key contributors towards achieving Africa’s inclusive growth and sustainable development agenda anchored in the AU vision of an integrated prosperous and peaceful Africa
Despite the progress made, Nigerian women still face challenges on a daily basis. Inequalities persist. However, a campaign highlighting the complementary nature of the sexes will promote better understanding and constructive communication for common good.
The commemoration serves as a rallying point to build support for women’s rights and participation in the political and economic arenas, and to honour the women that have defined and shaped the development agenda of the Continent.
