When Cordelia Adakule, a brilliant software developer in Lagos, discovered that her male colleague, less experienced and trained by her, earned almost 30% more for the same role, she was devastated. “It was not just about the money,” she said, “it was about respect.” Cordelia’s story is echoed by millions of women across the world. Despite working just as hard, if not harder, women are still consistently undervalued in the global labor market. On September 18, 2025, the world pauses to mark International Equal Pay Day, a day dedicated to exposing and addressing this injustice. This year’s theme, “Policy Options to Close the Gender Pay Gap Over the Life Course,” calls on governments, organizations, and societies to design strategies that ensure women are paid fairly, not just at one stage of life, but throughout their entire careers. What is the Gender Pay Gap? The gender pay gap refers to the…

In parliaments across the globe, from the marble halls of Europe to the grassroots chambers of Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, something quietly powerful is unfolding. A woman stands. Her voice breaks through centuries of exclusion. She is not a token, not a novelty, but a necessary force. She speaks not just for herself, but for the millions whose stories, struggles, and strength she carries into every vote, every policy, every action. As we mark the International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, the 2025 theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” calls us to look beyond numbers and see the deeper truth: when women lead in parliaments, the world moves closer to justice, peace, and progress. A Global Journey from the Margins to the Majority The journey of women into legislative power has been anything but linear. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women…

“We must reimagine a world free of malaria—where no mother dies giving life and no child loses life to a mosquito bite.” — Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa Every April 25, the world pauses to observe World Malaria Day, a global moment of reflection and renewed action. This year, under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, the message is clear: ending malaria isn’t just a medical mission, it’s a grassroots revolution. And at the heart of that revolution must be women. The Feminine Frontline: Why Women Matter in the Malaria Fight Malaria is more than a tropical disease, it’s a daily emergency for millions of girls and women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, there were: 263 million malaria cases reported globally 597,000 malaria-related deaths, with 246 million cases, and 95% of the deaths occurring in the WHO African Region…

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt As we observe International Girls in ICT Day 2025, we are reminded of the profound truth that the future of technology is female. With every leap in the digital age, girls across the globe are stepping up to shape the future, break barriers, and innovate like never before. The digital world is no longer just a space for tech giants; it is a playground for creative minds, and girls must be at the center of it. Today, as we celebrate this global initiative, the focus is clear: digital inclusion is not a choice; it’s a necessity. The Story behind Girls in ICT Day Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2011, International Girls in ICT Day was created to bridge the gender gap in the ICT sector by encouraging girls to explore opportunities…