IWD: GL vows to push forward
Johannesburg, 8 March; On International Women’s Day, Gender Links joins global calls for urgent action to make equality, rights and justice a reality for all women and girls. This month Gender Links also marks 25 years of championing gender justice across Southern Africa – a milestone moment to take stock, celebrate changemakers and affirm resolve to push forward for equality.
Official anniversary commemorations will take place later this month as part of the upcoming Voice & Choice Summit, bringing together over 200 partners, activists and entrepreneurs from across Southern Africa 15–17 March 2026.
Gender Links 25th anniversary and the Summit come at a critical global moment. A recent report launched by UN Women ahead of International Women’s Day warns that systems meant to protect women and girls are failing. According to the report, no country has yet achieved full legal equality, and globally women hold just 64% of the legal rights of men.
These inequalities continue to expose women and girls to discrimination, violence and exclusion throughout their lives. At the same time, escalating global conflicts — from Gaza and Ukraine to Sudan and Afghanistan — alongside weakening political commitment are widening gender inequalities and threatening past and future progress. Initiatives such as Gender Links’ #PushForward4Equality campaign highlight the resilience of movements working to defend and advance hard-won rights.
Against this backdrop, Gender Links’ 25th anniversary is both a milestone and a call to action. Since its founding in 2001, the organisation has worked across the region to promote gender-responsive governance, strengthen gender-aware media and support community initiatives advancing gender justice.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” underscores the urgent need to dismantle discriminatory laws, strengthen legal protections and challenge harmful practices and norms that undermine gender equality. Gender Links reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the movement for to rights, justice and action across the region.
Get involved!
Visit the GL@25 webpage for information and stories.
Post on GL@25 KudoBoard or write a blog to add your voice.
Read powerful entries for Voice & Choice Summit Awards