Accelerating Actions: What Must Be Done to Secure a Future of Equality?

Equality is not a distant dream—it is a necessity. As the world marks International Women’s Day, the theme “Accelerating Action” reminds us that progress cannot wait. The fight for equality demands more than recognition; it requires urgent, sustained action. Change will not happen in silence. It is time to amplify voices, challenge systems, and push forward policies that secure a just and equitable future for all.

Superpowers—everyone talks about them. People dream of the extraordinary things they would do if granted one. But let’s talk about a superpower that is often overlooked and dismissed: the power of being feminine, of being a woman. A carrier of life, a vessel through which generations come into the world.

Let’s talk about International Women’s Day. It is more than just another date on the calendar; it is a global celebration of women, their strength, resilience, and contributions. March 8th is a day to honour the progress made while recognizing that the fight for equality is far from over. There is still work to be done.

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of women in shaping our world. It highlights their achievements, both in advancing society and in their own journeys, while also drawing attention to the challenges that must be addressed to create a future of growth and prosperity for all women.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” makes the occasion even more significant. It serves as a call to demand change—not just in how women’s issues are addressed, but in how quickly society embraces progress and advancements toward gender equality.

Over the past year and into the beginning of this one, our nation has grappled with the crisis of femicide—a struggle that continues. A committee was formed, and funds were allocated to facilitate investigations and mitigation efforts, yet tangible progress remains elusive.

History Makers

Despite these challenges and the many obstacles women face, they continue to break barriers and redefine their place in society. Huldah Momanyi made history by being elected as a representative for Minnesota in the United States. Naomi Monari, founder of Benacare Kenya, launched the country’s first dialysis truck to bring life-saving care to remote areas. And in 2024, Jackline Juma became Kenya’s first female coach of a men’s team in the Kenya Premier League, leading FC Talanta and making history in the process.

And then there are the countless women whose names may not make headlines, but who remain the backbone of homes, offices, organizations, and entire communities. They are the silent forces that keep the world moving—proving time and again that women are the engines driving progress behind many systems.

Yet, despite these success stories and the many women who have defied the odds, significant challenges continue to hinder progress. The gender pay gap persists in workplaces, gender-based violence and femicide remain alarming realities, and harmful cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage continue to rob young girls of their futures. Inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights further exacerbate the struggle, limiting opportunities and threatening the well-being of countless women and girls.

Political underrepresentation lies at the heart of many of these challenges. Kenya’s 2010 Constitution mandates the two-thirds gender rule in Parliament, yet in the 2022 general election, only 7 out of 47 governors elected were women. Overall, women hold just 30% of political positions in the country—a stark reminder of the gaps that remain.

In light of this, we must recognize that change does not happen in silence. Addressing these challenges requires action, commitment, and collective effort. Only through sustained advocacy and decisive steps can we build a future where women’s rights are upheld, and equality becomes the norm, not the exception.

Let’s come together and take action—speak out against gender-based violence, support women-owned businesses and organizations, encourage women to claim their space in politics and leadership, and push for policy changes that protect the rights of women and girls.

By doing so, we will not only drive progress, but also accelerate the pace toward a more just, equal, and empowered future for all.

Marylyne Ekeya is a Sauti Zetu Hub member at the Community Voices Network.

Edited by Pius Okore.