The Women Supporting Women Network (WSWN) has underscored the importance of investing in women to accelerate the attainment of sustainable development.
This emerged today on International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, which is a global day acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
In celebrating IWD 2024, Women Supporting Women Network, a non-profit organisation with the mission to empower women with the capacity and capabilities to explore their potential for living a fulfilled life in all spheres of society, stands in solidarity with women across the globe to honour their achievements, advocate for gender equality, and empower them to reach their full potential.
The United Nations has designated the year 2024’s theme as ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, while the campaign theme for this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.
“When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. Investing in women is essential to accelerating progress in all areas of society, from economic growth to social development. Empowering women through education, leadership opportunities, and equal access to resources can lead to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
“I hereby call on Government at all levels to prioritise investing in women to accelerate progress in society. While government investment is crucial, other stakeholders like private corporations, NGOs, and individuals can also play a significant role in investing in women to accelerate progress in society. Collaboration among various sectors can lead to more comprehensive support and opportunities for women’s advancement,” said Toyin Omozuwa, the Founder of WSWN.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, the Women Supporting Women Network is committed to inspiring, encouraging, and empowering women to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Through mentorship programmes, networking events, and advocacy initiatives, the network strives to create a supportive community where women can thrive and succeed.
On this International Women’s Day, WSWN is celebrating every woman who has made a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. It honours the trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations, the changemakers who are challenging the status quo, and the everyday heroes and heroines who are making a difference in their communities.
“As we look towards a brighter future, let us remember that together, we are stronger. Let us support, uplift, and inspire one another; for when women support women, incredible things happen.
“To all the women across the globe, I say this: you are powerful beyond measure, capable beyond belief, and resilient beyond compare. In a world that often seeks to diminish your light, I urge you to shine brighter, stand taller, and speak louder. Your voice matters, your story is important, and your dreams are worth pursuing.
“Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Look around you and see the countless women who stand beside you, ready to lift you up, support you, and cheer you on.”
WSWN is encouraging women to rise above adversity, unite in purpose, and empower one another to reach new heights.
“Believe in your power, embrace your uniqueness, and never underestimate the impact of your voice. Together, we can break barriers, defy stereotypes, and create a more equitable world for generations to come.”
Elsewhere, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) joins the rest of the world in celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women worldwide today on International Women’s Day running under the theme “Inspire Inclusion.” The day comes at a time when the Network is reflecting on the low state of women’s participation in democratic electoral processes in Zimbabwe and lobbying various stakeholders on alignment of the Electoral Act with the Constitution of Zimbabwe to explicitly incorporate gender equality provisions, particularly in Sections 3, 17, 56, and 80 to ensure promotion and protection of women’s participation in politics.
Zimbabwe is a signatory to various gender equality frameworks at both regional and international levels. Instruments such as the AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, SADC Protocol on Gender and Development among others. These frameworks are grounded in fundamental principles of non-discrimination and equal political rights, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
