International Women’s Day, March 8th, is a global celebration that acknowledges the achievements and plights of women and girls worldwide. On this day, the Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development, stands with the international community of women in the effort to empower women and girls by putting their lives in their own hands. This year’s theme ‘Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives’, illustrates the pressing need for women from various backgrounds to organize, advocate and collectively strive for their rights and freedoms. As mothers, activists, policy makers and innovators, women across the globe are pillars in their communities, and harness the power to transform their futures by breaking through the boundaries of social inequality.

In the wake of conflict, women and girls comprise the most vulnerable and unprotected groups in society, and are often left without the political and economic resources necessary to determine their livelihoods. On this day, March 8th 2018, we honour the disenfranchised women across the globe that utilize their power as a tool to uplift and enlighten. We vow to stand with our fellow women, who speak when they are silenced, and stand when they are shamed. We honour the bravery that is displayed by rural and urban activists to imagine a better future, and strive for it against all odds.  This international women’s day, the GECPD commemorates the rural and urban activists amongst us, and vows to equip our fellow women with the skill set and resources necessary to reach our common goal of equality. Since 1999, our work has been to empower local women through educational reform, political advocacy, and community organizing. On this momentous occasion, we hope that you will stand with us in our fight to secure a more equitable and peaceful world for our women and girls.  The time is NOW!