Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), an international day to celebrate women’s achievements, reinforce our commitment to gender equality, and rally for change. Every year, the Hawa Feminist Coalition observes International Women’s Day (IWD). This year, we conducted a colorful event in which our staff, volunteers, and members celebrated this global activism day with a vibrant campaign, to show their commitment to promote the safety, equality, justice, rights, and dignity of young women and girls in Somalia.
This event is also an important occasion for young feminist activists in Somalia, who are struggling to fight for their rights to make Somalia a country where women and girls are valued as equal beings among members of the community. Our staff, volunteers, and members participated in this event, which lasted days, to foster their sense of belonging and solidarity and accelerate their efforts toward achieving gender equality and justice in Somalia.
During the commemoration of this significant day, they disseminated and conveyed significant messages to the public, fellow young feminist activists, and the women’s rights movements. Here are a few of their messages:
“Today is a moment of opportunity for us to proudly renew our continued commitment to support and advance women and girls rights in Somalia, as well as accelerate our collective efforts and solidarity to bring positive change to our community.” Says Nadira Abdirahman, a prominent feminist activist and a senior officer of Hawa Feminist Coalition
“We will not get tired and never step back our struggle and activism until we make our country a better and safer place for women and girls…..” Says Fatima Farah, a young feminist
“On this important occasion, we would like to speak louder and highlight the challenges and violences we are facing as women and girls in Somalia and call for change.” Says Fahma Dahir
“I’m very happy today, it is a great day for me, and I can’t hesitate to celebrate the power of girls, applaud the brave and fearless girls championing for change for all they have achieved in the fight for equality and justice. I want this to inspire other girls to join in the movement and campaign and take their role. I want to ask my girls to never stop their campaign until they get what they want.” Says Fatima Jama
Hawa Feminist Coalition helped more than 55 young feminist activists based throughout Somalia to commemorate International Women’s Day, amplify their advocacy messages through our social media platforms, and reach more than 30,000 throughout Somalia.
