International Women's Day - 8th March 2021

Issued by Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF)

8th March 2021, Nairobi, Kenya.

Press Release

To commemorate the International Women’s Day (March 8), the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Brig. General Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa would like issue the following message.

International Women’s Day is a worldwide commemoration that celebrates women’s achievements in all spheres be it political, cultural, economic and social. The International Women’s Day 2021 is different because it is being commemorated during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”

The theme focuses on how women and girls around the world have paid tremendous efforts in shaping a more equal future and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. They have played a significant role in battling the pandemic. Women doctors, scientists, nurses, teachers, leaders, front-liners others took a leadership and responsibility to respond to COVID-19.

When women lead, they can bring paramount change in all aspects of humanity. When women fully and effectively participate and take leadership position in all areas of life, the world starts experiencing betterment and progress. However, they are still not well represented in public life, policy and decision-making areas. They deserve equal future in all aspects of life. As we celebrate the International women’s Day, I wish to pay special tribute to women who have taken lead in fighting COVID-19, those who lost their lives and loved ones while fighting the pandemic. I also wish to pay tribute to women in Africa and the rest of the world for their valuable and distinctive contributions to our societies and families. Particularly in Africa, gender-responsive services, production resources, markets in agriculture, industry and trade would enhance economic empowerment of women and youth extensively. With Equal Rights, Empowerment, Women Can Be ‘Agents of Change’ for Sustained Socio-economic Development and prosperity in Africa.

Let us join the world in acknowledging the enormous contributions of women in the society and let us take necessary steps to further promote women empowerment and gender equality. Happy women’s day!