International Women's Day 2023

DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality is the theme for this year’s International Women's Day. Celebrated annually on March 8, 2023, International Women's Day (IWD 2023) is focusing on the digital gender gap and the importance of protecting women's and girls' rights in digital spaces, as well as addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence. In the past, women's exclusion from the digital world has caused a $1 trillion loss to low- and middle-income countries. Reversing this trend will require addressing online violence, which 38% of women have experienced.



As we commemorate International Women's Day, we should ensure gender equality in the implementation of policies that address women's issues through a gender-responsive approach in which all women and girls have equal opportunity and capacity to contribute to innovation, technology, and digital space. However, the digital revolution can also perpetuate existing patterns of gender inequality, with women falling behind due to growing inequalities in digital skills and access to technologies. Therefore, inclusive and transformative technology, as well as digital education, are essential for a sustainable future for women in their various areas of expertise.

ABCG continues to collaborate with local and indigenous women to bridge the gap and amplify their voices on biodiversity conservation and related issues throughout Africa to ensure just and equitable implementation of actions that include women's full and effective participation and role in biodiversity conservation.

In this newsletter we share some upcoming IWD events, opportunities, documentaries that highlight women in conservation and outstanding women in conservation. 

 African Women in Agricultural Research and Development

African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has launched a call for its Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship) Fellowship to women who are citizens of Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Senegal. The highly competitive Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship is an immersive three-year career development program targeting mid-career African women in the policy field to catalyze the design and implementation of gender-responsive agricultural policies across Africa.

Learn about GRASP in their brochure and Apply here.

Watch below some videos of empowered women who are making significant impact on our planet, and why empowering women is critical for a better future.

Women environmentalists you should know about

Women are leading the way in promoting the global environmental revolution. Fearless women have been advocating for environmental conservation, from protecting our land's resources, such as the forest, to protecting the world's oceans. On this International Women's Day, we honor and salute some of history's most inspiring women who have worked tirelessly for environmental justice. Learn more about these women and some of the amazing things they've done for the environment here.