International Day celebrates women and girls of African descent

Friday, July 25 marked the first-ever International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, following a declaration last year by the UN General Assembly.
It recognises their immense contributions to society but also acknowledges the persistent challenges they face.
Although women and girls of African descent embody strength, resilience and untapped potential, they remain among the most marginalised groups globally due to the intersection of racial, gender and socio-economic discrimination.
For example, they suffer alarming maternal mortality rates, according to the United Nations’ (UN) reproductive health agency, UNFPA, where often, cases are not related to income or education, but rather to racism and structural inequality rooted in a legacy of slavery and colonialism.
The first celebration of the International Day coincides with the start of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs through 2034.
The aim is to take concrete actions to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice, and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people from the African diaspora worldwide, building on the previous Decade, which ended last year.
According to the UN, from limited access to quality education and healthcare to under-representation in political and professional spaces, they often navigate systemic barriers that hinder their development and violate their rights.
Despite these challenges, they continue to lead movements, excel in academics and careers, advocate for justice and break generational cycles of poverty and exclusion. Their lived experiences highlight not only the impact of injustice but also the transformative power of opportunity and equity.
Empowering women and girls of African descent requires a comprehensive approach grounded in human rights, cultural affirmation and inclusive policymaking. Governments, institutions and communities must commit to dismantling discriminatory structures and investing in initiatives that ensure equal access to education, healthcare, justice and leadership.
It is only through intentional action—such as collecting disaggregated data, removing stereotypes, and implementing targeted programmes—that we can foster environments where women and girls of African descent thrive. In doing so, we not only uphold their dignity but also strengthen societies through their contributions, creativity, and leadership.