As the world marks International Women s Day on Monday 8 March, African leaders have sent their messages of support.
Africanews takes a look at how both male and female leaders, former leaders and key players in Africa have reflected on the day.
The United Nations says the world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality.
This year s theme is “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
While there may not be gender equality in any country, the World Trade Organization made history in 2021 when it named Nigeria s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its chief, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the trade body.