On the threshold of International Women’s Day, to be celebrated on 8 March 2024, I would like to invite all women in Africa, America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, mainly those in the water and sanitation sectors and working in member companies of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), to celebrate it not as a day of celebration but rather as one of awakening and questioning.

Although some progress has been made since 1975, there is still a long way to go to reduce gender gaps.

There’s hope, you just have to believe it, because with courage, commitment, self-denial, perseverance and support, we’ll make it.

We’ll make it happen by building on what we’ve already achieved and drawing inspiration from successful female role models (entrepreneurs, managers, researchers, etc.).

We must act together, hand in hand, as an indivisible whole, accepting each other, supporting each other, helping each other to overcome the shackles of difference and narrow the gap in order to be autonomous, fulfilled and able to decide our own future.

“Women, all together, we can unlock our inner potential and change the world.”