In a statement marking the occasion, Professor Abdoulaye Saine extended warm wishes to women around the world while highlighting the need to celebrate their contributions and acknowledge the struggles that still define the lives of many women and girls.
“Happy Women’s Day to all women around the world,” Saine stated. “We celebrate the accomplishments, struggles and sacrifices women make daily to improve lives and the human condition.”
According to him, women continue to play indispensable roles within families, communities and institutions across the world. Their efforts, often carried out quietly and without recognition, contribute significantly to social development and the advancement of society.
However, Professor Saine emphasised that while women’s achievements deserve celebration, the persistent challenges many face must not be ignored.
“Yet the struggles women face at home, at the office, as well as the structural and societal limitations imposed on less privileged women, are truly astounding,” he said.
He noted that despite global progress in advancing gender equality, women and girls still encounter multiple forms of discrimination and violence based on gender. These challenges include gender-based physical and psychological violence, social and economic discrimination, and overwhelming pressures associated with balancing professional responsibilities and domestic duties.
Saine further observed that the burden of inequality is often heavier in developing countries, where women from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds experience heightened levels of poverty and marginalisation.
“In the global ‘Third World,’ women and women from lower social and economic classes undergo tremendous social and economic violence, suffering, poverty and pain disproportionately,” he explained.
At the same time, he acknowledged that gender inequality remains a global issue, affecting women even in wealthier societies where economic and professional opportunities may be greater.
“Even though many privileged women in well-to-do countries may be better off economically and socially, they too suffer many problems associated with gender,” Saine added.
He also pointed to the complex challenges women of colour face in Western societies, noting that racial, gender and class discrimination often intersect to create additional barriers.
“Women of colour in the West continue to face racial, gender and class discrimination,” he said, stressing that the struggle for equality is far from over.
While significant progress has been achieved through decades of activism and policy reforms, Saine underscored that these gains were made possible through the sacrifices and perseverance of generations of women who fought for justice and equal rights.
“Though a lot has been accomplished by women in general and we celebrate that, we must not forget the pain it took and the pains yet to endure to achieve full equality,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Saine concluded by calling for unity in recognising and celebrating the contributions of women everywhere.
“Today we celebrate all women regardless of race, colour, national origin, class and sexuality,” he said. “We acknowledge their tremendous sacrifices and contributions to family, country and the world.”
