The International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent is commemorated on July 25, with the aim of taking action against the racism, discrimination, and intolerance that affect them, while highlighting their strength and resilience.
Confronting discrimination and racism
Women and girls of African descent face various forms of discrimination, which result in higher poverty rates, barriers to education and healthcare, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces.
Despite these inequalities, their resilience allows them to shine brightly. From grassroots organizing to professional excellence, their contributions shape communities, economies, and cultures. They are not just beneficiaries of development, but protagonists.
For all these reasons, on this date, the United Nations calls on all nations to eradicate racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, especially when they affect women and girls of African descent.
How to take action?
To truly empower African and Afro-descendant women and girls, the United Nations recommends adopting decisive and transformative measures, such as the following:
- Invest in education, vocational training, and mentoring programs for Afro-descendant girls and young women.
- Combat racial and gender stereotypes in the media, policy-making, and education.
- Ensure representation in political, legal, and corporate leadership.
- Promote the collection of data disaggregated by race and gender to design specific and equitable policies.
- Protect women human rights defenders, activists, and community leaders from violence and repression.
Ensuring their full, equal, and meaningful participation
Women and girls of African descent embody strength and resilience. However, they face various forms of discrimination, which limits their development and violates their rights. Despite obstacles such as unequal access to education and healthcare and underrepresentation in political spheres, they lead, innovate, and break down barriers.
Ensuring their empowerment requires inclusive policies, cultural respect, and a firm commitment to human rights. By supporting their leadership, we strengthen society as a whole.
Why is July 25 commemorated?
July 25 was chosen as the date to commemorate the International Day of Black Women and Girls because on that day in 1992, the first congress was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, bringing together more than 400 Afro-Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora women. This congress recognized the work carried out by women of African descent in the fight against racial discrimination, sexism, poverty, migration, violence, and marginalization.
This meeting gave rise to the Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women, a space to fight for the dignity and rights of black women as citizens.
