All day, every day, around the world – progress is being made by women, for women. #Pressforprogress was the theme for this special day this year, 2018. International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th across the world. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements, regardless of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

TICAH partnered with CREAW on this day to celebrate women around the world. We called on the women we work with in the community and the celebration was marked with a walk in Kawangware from the chief’s office and afterwards we assembled at the CDF grounds. The call for equality and this mainly involves empowering women with the aim of getting women to come together, to know their rights and value in the community remains the main focus of this day.

We set up two tents, one was dealing with the legal aspects of women who had undergone violence or who needed assistance in legal matters. The other was an activity based tent where we busted myths and misconceptions on Gender Based Violence and discussed on the various issues that affect women and how to tackle them. We also shared with the women about Aunty Jane Hotline which gives information on sexual and reproductive health and rights and offer tele-counselling for young girls and women who have gone through violence.

The event was graced by the Women Representative, Esther Passaris who emphasized on the need for equality and empowerment of the girl child by making sure that girls get access to education and stay in school, end teenage pregnancy, end early marriage.

TICAH and CREAW continue to work together to make sure that every woman is empowered, makes informed choices, know her rights and is able to access them fully.