For Immediate Release
March 8, 2025
International Women’s Day: Advocating for Women’s Dignity and Rights in Africa
Washington, DC – Today, the Catholic Task Force on Africa (CTFA), a group of organizations and individuals collaborating on just US-Africa relations centered on Catholic social thought, issued the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day. Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day is a global occasion that honors the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political fields. The CTFA urgently calls for the support and uplifting of women across Africa. CTFA, as an organization committed to justice and equality, stands in solidarity with African women calling for meaningful action to support policies that uplift and protect them.
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) and member of the CTFA made the following statement:
- “A society can only be as strong as the opportunities it provides for its women. Real progress in Africa means ensuring women have access to education, economic resources, and protection from harm—because when women thrive, entire communities thrive.
- “African women are not just facing challenges; they are driving change. They are leaders, caregivers, and advocates for their communities. At AFJN, we stand with them in advocating for policies that break down barriers and create real opportunities for empowerment.”
Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN, Women Empowerment Coordinator of AFJN made the following statement:
- “Today people around the world recognize the crucial role women play in their families and communities. In spite of this, women, especially African women, continue to face challenges like gender-based violence, lack of economic opportunities, and barriers to education and healthcare. In celebrating women today, may society see what women can do and may women see what women are doing and be the inspiration for more women to go out and improve society at large.”
Sr. Rosemary Jeffries, RSM, Executive Director of the All-Africa Conference: Sister to Sister (AC:SS) made the following statement:
- “Working with women religious in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, AAC:SS recognizes what transformative leadership women bring to the challenges in Africa due to poor economies, ongoing natural disasters and the threat of health crisis. Women leaders bring creative solutions, determination mixed with deep compassion. That combination of skill and compassion makes women not only good leaders but trusted leaders in the communities – worthy of celebrating and lifting up everyday.”
Sr Joan Mumaw, IHM, President Emerita, Friends in Solidarity (with South Sudan):
- “On this International Women’s Day, we salute African women, especially those in Sudan, struggling to survive in the midst of war. They continue to hold their families and communities together while suffering from hunger, insecurity and sexual violence, themselves. It is time that we focus on the reality of war as it impacts the women and girls of Sudan and beyond. In the words of a woman from Darfur, ‘We are tired of death and loss […] We want peace and security. We want our children to not be afraid and to not grow up hearing the sound of gunfire every day.’ On this day we commend women of Africa, living in the midst of war, as they strive to meet the needs of their communities.”
Ms. Susan Gunn, a member of the CTFA made the following statement:
- “On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inherent dignity and strength of women worldwide, recognizing their invaluable contributions to families, communities, and society. It is important for us to use this special day to acknowledge that women, like all people, possess fundamental rights and deserve respect in every aspect of life. We advocate for just structures that ensure women’s full participation in economic, political, and social spheres, enabling the flourishing of all. We stand in solidarity with women who experience injustice, oppression, and violence. May this International Women’s Day inspire us to build a world where women’s gifts are fully recognized, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected, reflecting the justice and love of God.”
Read the CTFA “Peace, Development, and Justice Cannot be Achieved Without Women’s Full and Equal Participation” 2025 statement
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The Catholic Task Force on Africa is a coalition of Catholic religious communities, organizations, and individuals seeking to analyze and influence U.S. policy toward Africa based on principles of Catholic social teaching. It represents a collaborative effort to win Africa higher policy priority among U.S. government policymakers. It is composed of a broad variety of Catholic institutions, from Catholic mission-sending congregations with personnel serving in Africa to U.S.-based advocacy groups, NGOs and the United States Catholic Conference.
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Available for Phone and Virtual Interviews:
Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers
Executive Director, Africa Faith and Justice Network
Contact: Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager