** March 8: a reflection of the fights of African women through history **
This March 8, International Women’s Rights Day, cannot be content to celebrate recent achievements of gender equality. On the contrary, this is an ideal opportunity to revisit the often omitted strategic role of women in African societies, from the pre -colonial era to the present day. The meeting between Fatimata Wane and Pascasie Minanie Passy, a professor at the University of Ottawa, is a precious opportunity to explore this historical dimension, but also to question the implications of the oblivion of women in national stories.
### Unknown historical figures
Precolonial Africa was a fertile ground for female leadership. Like the Queen Amina of Zazzau, who was able to resist and defend her kingdom in the face of the invaders, many women exercised essential political functions, whether as leaders, advisers or warriors. Kingdoms like Dahomey have even seen their wives engaging in army corps, thus defying gender standards of their time.
However, colonization has profoundly changed this dynamic. Recent historical studies, such as those conducted by contemporary African historians, reveal how colonial structures have not only imposed patriarchal hierarchies, but have also hampered access to vital resources such as education and earth. This reversal of situation had lasting consequences on the social and political status of African women.
### A unequal return on investment
A report by the African Union (AU) published in 2020 stresses that, despite advances in certain countries, the representation of women in decision -making bodies remains significantly lower than that of men: only 22% of parliamentary seats in Africa are occupied by women. This disparity underlines how much the colonial heritage persists in modern power structures, where women are often left outside the fundamental decision -making processes.
In the economic sphere, it is obvious that historical marginalization also has an impact. According to the global report on the gap between the sexes 2021 of the World Economic Forum, the wage disparities between men and women in sub -Saharan Africa amount to 30%. This prejudicial economic reality strengthens the dependence cycle and reduces the active commitment opportunities for women, both personal and professional.
### The role of new technologies
Recently, the rise in information and communication technologies (ICT) has given women a new space for expression. Social networks have enabled female voices to rise, share their stories and claim their place in history and society. Movements like #MeToo and #BringBackourgirls have amplified these voices, allowing African women to fully participate in global conversations on human rights and gender equality.
However, this digital access remains unequal, rural women, in particular, being often left behind. A study by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) reveals that women represent only 34% of Internet users in rural areas. It is essential to break this digital barrier to ensure that all women have the tools necessary to claim their rights and their place in society.
### Education as a vector of change
To approach these inequalities, it is imperative to concentrate efforts on the education of girls and the inclusion of women in decision -making processes. Countries like Rwanda show that policies promoting access to education and women’s participation can wear tangible results: 62% of parliamentary seats are occupied by women, a record world figure, the fruit of voluntary policies.
This transformation not only conditions the future of women, but also that of nations. In synergy with education, mentoring and support for female entrepreneurship programs can catalyze change on a larger scale, allowing women to claim their historical place in the construction of the continent.
### Conclusion: A call for collective action
By evoking the often overlooked role of women in the history of Africa, it becomes imperative to move from reflection to action. The meeting between Fatimata Wane and Pascasie Minanie Passy reminds us that it is time to give a voice to these historic women and actively promote their stories within educational, institutional and media programs.
The path to gender equality is not traversed alone; It requires a collective mobilization of civil society, governments and economic actors to revitalize the role of women in all spheres of life. The celebration of this International Women’s Rights Day must be, like every March 8, a reminder of the commitment to continue the fight for the rights of all women in Africa and beyond.