International Women’s Day: EI Africa Extends Best Wishes To All Women
On this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) Education International Africa (EIA) extends best wishes to all women educators and women in Africa and globally. Education Internationals’ continued commitment to gender equality is reflected in its constitutional principles, the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) and World Congress resolutions, all of which seek to combat discrimination in education and society.
The commitments align with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Rights, Justice and Action.” The theme calls for concrete efforts to dismantle systematic barriers that prevent women and girls from enjoying equal rights and access to justice in all aspects of life. The three fundamental principles- rights, justice, and action -emphasize that women’s rights must not merely be recognized but be protected and respected. They further highlight the need to address inequalities, discrimination, and violence through strong legal and institutional and social frameworks.
The teaching profession often reflects many of the inequalities that women face in wider society. Although women constitute a large proportion of teachers worldwide, they are often under-represented in leadership positions within both education systems and trade unions. This imbalance demonstrates the need for deliberate and sustained efforts to ensure that women can participate fully and equally in leadership and decision-making processes. Education Internation Africa (EIA) and its member organizations therefore advance gender equality, not only as a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity that requires structural transformation.
Inclusive unions are stronger unions. When women participate equally in leadership and decision making, organizations benefit from diverse perspectives, better policies, and more effective advocacy free from discrimination and violence. In addition, schools are critical spaces for shaping attitudes towards equality. They hold the power to challenge injustice and play a central role in building societies that respect the rights and dignity for all.
EIA and its member organizations, as champions of quality public education recognize women’s key contribution in unions, schools, and in shaping societies. Through the African Women in Education Network (AWEN)’ and related initiatives, EIA continues to work towards encouraging respect for women’s rights within unions and education settings, promotion of justice through gender-responsive policies, demonstrating the importance of women’s leadership and representation and confronting gender-based violence in all its forms.
Through collective action, solidarity, and determination, the vision of gender equality can become a reality. On this International Women’s Day, EIA reaffirms its commitment to advancing the principles of rights, justice and action for all women in education and beyond.
Join hands for accelerated action towards gender equality.
Happy International Women’s Day!