BEYOND THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2026

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen.

On March 8, 2026, women in several parts of the world commemorated and celebrated yet another International Women's Day. 

Several Women's Associations, Civil Society Organisations, gender advocates, government authorities, UN Women and many other organisations as well as individuals; used the occasion to highlight issues affecting women and girls worldwide (such as gender-based violence, abuse, social injustice, inadequate financial resources, lack of education etc) and also recognised efforts made towards gender equity & development, the respect of women's right and the rule of law among other points.

 Over the years,  I have realised that some people continue to ask why women celebrate on March 8? I dare say the reasons are many and varied!

 I HONOUR AND CELEBRATE THE EXTRA-ORDINARY WOMEN WHOSE VOICES, COURAGE AND RELENTLESS ADVOCACY HAVE IMPACTED GLOBAL ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS. 

 The road to;

- Equal opportunites for men and women/girls/boys

- Social justice and fairness 

- Ecomonic empowerment for every girl - - An end to all forms of abuse 

- An end to female genital mutulation

- An end to early child marriage

- Respect of women's rights .............etc hasn't been an easy one for many. Nonetheless, several women/ girls, communities, organisations, governments, individuals and different steakholders continue to advocate for these measures as well as for the overall wellbeing of women and girls, beyond the International Women's Day . 

 To know more about March 8, you can read here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day

Stop Violence: Moving Forward - International Women's Day!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Women the world over on March 8, this year came out to mark what some people have now described as a 'yearly rendez-vous' . It was the International Women's Day.

Talks, march pasts, demonstrations, debates, conferences: are but a few of those activities organised on that day. They seek to heighten awareness and draw attention to the plight of the women the world over.

 Over the years, women in Cameroon,  are known to celebrate this day in a rather colourful and unique style. The special "Kaba" attire, the head-gears, the accessories, the march past - a forum to showcase women while denouncing acts of gender-based violence, discrimination, social ills and other acts carried out against them.  Fanfare is a typical characteristic of Women's day celebration in Cameroon .

 Follow the link to get bits and pieces of how women in some parts of Africa and the world spent March 8 2014.  http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/women-demonstrate-worldwide-calling-end-violence-abuse-n47951

Moving forward , how will the decisions and commitments which have been made in the course of this year's celebration be translated into concrete action rather than mere rhetoric? The challenges remain enormous.....
Please revisit an article I wrote on my blog titled :

 Stop Violence! Real Men Don't Abuse Women/Girls!

(simply click on this link for more)

Let the discussion continue as we look ahead with the hope of "inspiring change" -incidentally the 2014 theme !

Stop! Reflect and Pay Tribute to Women the World Over !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Each year, women the world over are in the spotlight on March 8 coined the International day of the woman. It is a day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Simply put , it is an occasion to think about the woman, assess her role in the community and celebrate her contribution to making herself and the world a better place .Women’s groups, organizations as well as individual usually take part in the celebration.


In Cameroon March 8 hardly goes by unnoticed, unlike in some other countries. A number of socio-cultural activities are organized prior to the day ( with the women being active during all such events)even though the women’s march-pass is a “vital” part of the day's celebration. The day usually culminates in heavy eating, drinking and dancing by women groups.
The “Women’s day” fabric is considered a “must-have” by many women in Cameroon, for the celebration to be somewhat complete. Different dress patterns especially the ‘kaba’( a traditional free-flow outfit typical of the Sawa people)as well as head-gears are usually on display.


I have a passion for women and gender issues. Sometimes I describe myself as a "Womanist". You would therefore imagine my feelings each time I think of such moments when people the world over pay tribute to the woman such as:

March 8(The International Day for the woman),

July 31(The day of the African Woman),

October 15 (Rural women’s day).

Many are those who question: why celebrate the “woman”?

The road has been a long and tedious one for many women in their quest to get a “fair treatment” like their male counter parts –call it gender equity. The challenges have been and are still enormous. Many women the world over continue to suffer from acts of violence caused by the men sometimes leading to pain and death. Some face discrimination at home and at the workplace. Many still lack access to education. Harmful traditional and cultural practices continue to stand on the path of women.The rights of many are violated. A good number of women are yet to make their voices heard in different circles.


However, it is important to recognize that the emancipation and empowerment of women is today a reality in many areas and communities .Women are seen in all facet of life, they hold key positions and take the lead in many spheres. Many now hold themselves in higher esteem. In fact they have come a long way and this calls for celebration. They are politicians, bankers, pilots, doctors, journalists, nurses, teachers, traders, drivers, cooks, farmers; to name but these!


Happy Women’s Day!