THE East African Community (EAC) has reaffirmed commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality.
In her message on International Women’s Day, 2025, the EAC Secretary General, Ms Veronica Nduva said through policies and programmes, the EAC continue to foster women’s participation in trade, leadership, peacebuilding and decision-making across all sectors.
“On this International Women’s Day 2025, I extend my warmest greetings to all women across the East African Community (EAC) region and beyond. Today, we celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of women in shaping our societies, economies and governance structures,” she said in her statement posted on the EAC Secretariat website.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8th and Ms Nduva said this year’s theme, “Championing Gender Equity and Empowerment: Women as Builders of a Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with EAC shared vision of an inclusive and prosperous East Africa.
“Women are at the heart of development—driving economic growth, fostering peace and strengthening our communities. However, gender inequalities continue to pose challenges, making the urgency to accelerate action toward gender parity greater than ever. At the EAC, we remain committed to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality, as enshrined in the EAC Treaty, the EAC Gender Policy (2018) and regional commitments that seek to ensure women have equal opportunities to thrive,” she said.
She added that through policies and programmes, EAC continues to foster women’s participation in trade, leadership, peacebuilding and decision-making across all sectors.
“As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, I urge all stakeholders; governments, the private sector, civil society, youth and men as allies, to strengthen collective efforts in addressing barriers to women’s progress. We must enhance women’s access to finance, trade opportunities and leadership positions while ensuring that gender-responsive policies are fully implemented.
She said this year’s commemoration is particularly significant as it marks the first time the EAC is observing International Women’s Day under the leadership of a woman, in a region where a partner state – Tanzania is also led by a woman, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Ms Nduva said this milestone is a testament to the strides the region was making toward gender equality, adding that it is crucial for EAC to sustain the momentum for the future generations.
“Let us all be champions of change. Together, we can accelerate action and build an East Africa where women and girls can achieve their full potential,” she said.
