Message From the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General on International Women’s Day, 2025
On International Women’s Day 2025, I pay tribute to all women throughout the East African Community (EAC) and beyond. Today, we celebrate women’s resilience, achievements and contributions in shaping our social, economic and governance structures.
This year’s theme, “Advocating for Gender Equality and Empowerment: Women as Builders of a Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with our shared vision for inclusive and prosperous East Africa. Women are at the heart of development – driving economic growth, promoting peace and strengthening our communities. However, gender inequality continues to pose a challenge, making the urgency of accelerating action greater than ever.
In the EAC, we remain committed to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality, as stated in the EAC Treaty, EAC Gender Policy (2018), and regional commitments to try to ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive. Through policies and programs, we continue to promote women’s participation in trade, leadership, peacebuilding and decision-making in various sectors.
As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, I urge all stakeholders; governments, the private sector, civil society, youth and men as allies to strengthen collective efforts to address barriers to women’s progress. We must enhance women’s access to financial, trade and leadership positions, while ensuring that gender-responsiveness policies are fully implemented.
This year’s commemoration is particularly important as it marks the first time that the EAC has observed International Women’s Day under the leadership of women, in a region where women are also led by women. This milestone is a testament to the progress we have made in gender equality and we must maintain this momentum to ensure that future generations inherit a more just and equitable society.
Let us all be advocates of change. Together we can accelerate action and build an East Africa where women and girls can reach their full potential.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025!
He Veronica M. Nduva, CBS
Secretary-General
East African Community
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the East African Community (EAC).
