Rising Together: Women and Girls of African Descent Leading with Strength.

The woman and girl child of African descent embodies strength, resilience, and untapped potential, yet they remain among the most marginalized groups globally due to the intersection of racial, gender, and socio-economic discrimination. From limited access to quality education and healthcare to underrepresentation in political and professional spaces, they often navigate systemic barriers that hinder their development and violate their rights. Despite these challenges, they continue to rise—leading movements, excelling in academics and careers, advocating for justice, and breaking generational cycles of poverty and exclusion. Their lived experiences highlight not only the impact of injustice but also the transformative power of opportunity and equity.

Empowering women and girls of African descent requires a comprehensive approach grounded in human rights, cultural affirmation, and inclusive policy-making. Governments, institutions, and communities must commit to dismantling discriminatory structures and investing in initiatives that ensure equal access to education, healthcare, justice, and leadership. It is only through intentional action—such as collecting disaggregated data, removing stereotypes, and implementing targeted programmes—that we can foster environments where women and girls of African descent thrive. In doing so, we not only uphold their dignity but also strengthen societies through their contributions, creativity, and leadership.

To truly uplift women and girls of African descent, we must move beyond statements to bold, transformative action. This means investing in education, skills training, and mentorship programmes that equip them with the tools to thrive. It requires actively combating negative racial and gender stereotypes across media, education, and policymaking that continue to marginalize their voices. We must ensure meaningful representation in political, legal, and corporate leadership, creating spaces where African-descended women shape decisions that affect their lives and communities. Equally important is the need to support the collection of disaggregated data by race and gender to design effective, equitable policies. Finally, we must protect the rights, safety, and visibility of activists, human rights defenders, and community leaders who champion justice and equality for African-descended women and girls.