On July 31, Africa celebrates Pan-African Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the fundamental role women play in the struggles for the continent’s freedom, development, peace, and integration. Established to commemorate the founding of the Pan-African Women’s Organization (PAWO) on July 31, 1962, in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), this day offers a unique opportunity to pay tribute to African women for their pivotal contribution to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Africa.

For decades, African women have played an essential role across all sectors of society. They actively contribute to economic growth, governance, public administration, education, health, research, innovation, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, as well as to peacebuilding and social cohesion. Their daily commitment is a vital driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Despite the progress made in many African countries, significant challenges remain. Inequalities regarding access to education, economic opportunities, decision-making positions, productive resources, and technology continue to limit the full potential of women and girls. Combating gender-based violence, promoting economic empowerment, and strengthening women’s participation in decision-making processes remain priorities for building more equitable and inclusive societies.

A modern, high-performing public administration cannot be envisioned without the effective participation of women at all levels of responsibility. Strengthening women’s leadership within public institutions fosters more inclusive governance, improves the quality of public policies, and creates an administration that is more responsive to the needs of citizens. As a pan-African intergovernmental organization dedicated to capacity building within African public administrations, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equality, fostering women’s leadership, and enhancing the skills of women who hold—or aspire to hold—positions of responsibility in the public sector. Through its programs in training, research, policy dialogue, and cooperation among member states, the Centre contributes to disseminating best practices in inclusive governance and gender-responsive public management.

On the occasion of Pan-African Women’s Day, CAFRAD Director-General Dr. Coffi Dieudonné Assouvi pays a heartfelt tribute to all African women for their commitment, resilience, and exceptional contribution to the continent’s development. He reaffirms that investing in women’s leadership, education, skills, and empowerment is a decisive factor in building a stronger, more innovative, and more prosperous Africa.

On this day of celebration, CAFRAD calls upon governments, public institutions, regional and international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to continue their efforts to promote equal opportunities, strengthen women’s participation in public governance, and create an environment conducive to their full empowerment.

Happy Pan-African Women’s Day to all the women of Africa! Their leadership, commitment, and determination are essential drivers of the continent’s transformation and sustainable development.