As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, the United Nations’ theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, harmonises seamlessly with the overarching message of “Inspire Inclusion”. This alignment highlights the symbiotic relationship between investing in women and fostering inclusive societies. By recognising and valuing the contributions of women, we not only accelerate progress but also cultivate environments where diversity thrives and opportunities abound.
“Inspire Inclusion” underscores the importance of integrating women into all facets of society, including governance processes. By investing in women’s education, economic empowerment, and leadership development, we lay the groundwork for sustainable progress and prosperity. Moreover, prioritising gender equality in governance enhances decision-making processes, leading to more equitable outcomes and a more resilient society. As we celebrate International Women’s Day under these dual themes, let us commit to investing in women and harnessing their potential to drive positive change on a global scale.
The 2024 International Women’s Day campaign themes, “Inspire Inclusion,” and “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” resonate deeply with the mission of Good Governance Africa (GGA), particularly in its commitment to fostering inclusive governance processes. At GGA, we firmly believe that inclusive governance is essential for building resilient, equitable, and prosperous societies.
“Inspire Inclusion” encapsulates the core principles of our work, emphasising the importance of ensuring that women are actively involved in decision-making processes at all levels of governance. By inspiring others to understand and appreciate the value of women’s inclusion in governance, we can create more effective and responsive institutions that represent the needs and interests of all citizens.
We recognise that when women are included in governance processes, their perspectives, experiences, and priorities bring unique insights that enrich policy formulation and implementation. Inclusive governance not only leads to better outcomes but also fosters greater legitimacy and trust in government institutions.
Through our research, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts, GGA seeks to promote gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment in governance. We work to strengthen the participation of women in political leadership, increase their representation in decision-making bodies, and ensure that their voices are heard and valued in the policymaking process.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day with the theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” GGA reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting inclusive governance practices. Together, let us inspire inclusion in governance processes and work towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Chrissy Dube is the Chairperson of the GGA Management Committee and also a member of the GGA Executive Committee. She is Head of Governance Insights and Analytics at Good Governance Africa. She completed her Master of Commerce Degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2013. She also has qualifications in Advanced Project Management, Data Analysis, Ethics, and Compliance. With her experience in interrogating data, Chrissy specialises in analysing and interpreting data for informed decision-making in both the private and public sectors. Chrissy is a registered member of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa. Her interests include monitoring economic and social developments.
