MenEngage Africa Women

International Women’s Day 2021

Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world

This year, the theme for International Women’s Day (8 March), “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world,” celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain.

Women’s full and effective participation and leadership in of all areas of life drives progress for everyone. Yet, women are still underrepresented in public life and decision-making.

This is a reality that we will not stop endeavouring to change. And to mark this International Women’s Day, we want to share with you some thoughts in journalistic pieces and poetry that our colleagues have produced.

Poetry for Women's Day

Choose

by Angela Ngulube

Read the poem

Her strength mighty,

Facing daily struggles

Yet still showing up every day victorious,

Even though at times in silence she falls.

Her name is Woman,

A marvel like the Victoria Falls

And the sun set on the shores of the river Zambezi!!!

Her name gives comfort!

Her identity is enshrined in the earth,

Faith, yes woman!

Let it grow,

Believe it,

You can conquer when you choose to take on the challenge!

Born different, which is pretty obvious,

Though you have been taught

And made to believe your role is as regular as 1,2,3.

Wait, stop, breathe and believe.

You too can be different

Just choose!!

It's not a competition

But without you the story can never be complete,

Continue to take on the world!

You are she that is bold, not bossy,

And this they will see!😎

So cheers to you!

To us!

Who step up, step on and brave up!

To us We-MeN!!

Happy International Women's Day!

By Angela Ngulube from Nyali Zambia a youth-led organisation which is a new member of MEA Zambia.

The paradox of power, how women are lost in the fray

by Francis Senkpanie Konyon

Read the poem

They usually do all to make sure that all is well with the family,

but we take all the credit – yes, we do - Men.

They have spent sleepless nights worrying about the welfare of the family,

the community and the country;

but we lay down and sleep well as usual - Men.

We use our patriarchy to muscle them and take their glory - Men.

They subject themselves to humiliations, hunger, hard labour, etc, just to see us succeed.

All they get from us (men) is neglect, shame, disrespect, and so on.

Imagine a world without women, how would it look like?

As we celebrate International Women’s Day,

let us begin to unlearn and abandon some of our behaviours and actions,

and accommodate the new realities that enhance the well-being of all,

especially women and girls.

Let us (Men) take actions to support the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls.

Women and girls have rights, and they are entitled to them.

It is not a favour.

Stand up, Men, to say NO to all forms of violence against women,

and rally support for ensuring the rights of all women and girls are actualised.

MenEngage Africa Women

International Women’s Day 2021

Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world

Poetry for Women's Day

Choose

by Angela Ngulube

The paradox of power, how women are lost in the fray

by Francis Senkpanie Konyon

Read

COVID-19: Women’s contributions deserve commendation

By Zuli’ah Akinbami

It is time for women’s leadership and equality to be the norm

By Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga