The first-ever United Nation (UN’s) International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent is observed on 25th July, 2025 to celebrate, empower, and elevate the voices and achievements of women and girls of African heritage.
- This day serves as a global reminder of their resilience in the face of systemic discrimination, while also recognizing their leadership, dignity, and vital contributions to societies worldwide.
Theme:
2025 Theme: The theme of International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent 2025 is “Rising Together: Women and Girls of African Descent Leading with Strength,” .
Focus: It highlights their pivotal role as leaders and changemakers, positioning them not just as beneficiaries, but as innovators shaping transformative progress.
Background:
Adoption: On 13 August 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/78/323, strongly supported by key UN entities such as UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), the UN Human Rights Office (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR), and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
- The resolution aims to celebrate, empower, and amplify the voices and achievements of women and girls of African heritage.
Observance: The UNGA invites all Member States, UN organizations, international and regional organizations, other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, academia, and the media.
- To highlight the history, culture, and struggles of women and girls of African descent around the world.
- To actively advance strategies and programs to empower women and girls of African descent in alignment with global agendas.
SDG linked with the International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent:
| Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No | Goal |
|---|---|
| SDG 1 | No Poverty |
| SDG 3 | Good Health and Well-being |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education |
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality |
| SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities |
| SDG 16 | Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
Call to Action: Global Commitments Needed:
The observance urges governments, civil society, and international organizations to:
Education & Empowerment: Invest in education, leadership, and skills development for women and girls of African descent.
Breaking Stereotypes: Combat racial and gender stereotypes across all sectors, including media, education, and workplaces.
Promoting Inclusive Representation: Ensure inclusive political representation and decision-making power for marginalized groups.
Data Collection for Equity: Gather race- and gender-disaggregated data to inform and develop policies that promote fairness and inclusion.
Protection of Activists: Ensure the safety and security of activists and human rights defenders by shielding them from threats, intimidation, and repression.
About UN Women:
Executive Director- Sima Sami Bahous
Headquarters – New York City, the United States of America(USA)
Established- 2010
