PURPOSE: The Resolution A/RES/78/323 of the United Nations General Assembly, which designates July 25th as International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent to honor women and girls of African descent calls for renewed global action and accountability to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, particularly as they affect women and girls of African descent.
FORUM: “Rising Together- Women and Girls of African Descent Leading with Strength.” International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent 2025. 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. Women and girls of African descent continue to face multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination, manifesting in higher rates of poverty (SDG 1), barriers to education (SDG 4), limited access to quality healthcare (SDG 3), and underrepresentation in decision-making (SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16). Despite these injustices, their resilience shines through. From grassroots organizing to professional excellence, their contributions are shaping communities, economies, and cultures. They are not just beneficiaries of development, they are leaders of it. The UN Human Rights notes that while women and girls of African descent have been at the forefront of movements for justice and equality, their contributions are often overlooked, even as they continue to face deep disparities in healthcare, education, employment, and the criminal justice system. The UN Human Rights considers it essential that anti-discrimination laws are adopted and enforced, and that gender-based approaches are fully integrated into all relevant programmes, using disaggregated data to ensure policies reflect the lived realities of those most affected. The Office supports this work by partnering with civil society, conducting research, and providing guidance to states. Through its Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, the Office has trained over 160 change-makers from 50 countries, 72% of whom are women, to advocate for equality at national and international levels. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #25july, #AfricanDescent, #womenandgirls, #RisingTogether, #Leadinfgwithstrengh, #WomenandGirlsofAfricanDescent.
On July 25th, An Opening segment and Interactive panel discussion will be held to mark the International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent 2025. During the celebration participants will acknowledge their rich history, culture, and ongoing fight against discrimination based on gender and race. The celebration is a call to move beyond statements toward bold, transformative action, including investment in education, dismantling stereotypes, and ensuring leadership representation. Register to participate!
On July 24th, at UNHQ; The President of the General Assembly, with the support of UN-Women, will organize and preside over an interactive multi-stakeholder hearing on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/288, entitled "Scope, modalities, format and organization of the high-level meeting on the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women", as part of the preparations for the high level meeting of the General Assembly.
Guiding questions
What is one concrete way your work is helping to deliver gender equality outcomes and contribute to broader SDG goals in your community, country or sector?
What gaps do you see?
How are partnerships and collective action enabling you to scale your impact?
What is one action that can be taken to accelerate your efforts towards 2030?
Watch the Multi-stakeholder hearing on Beijing+30!
"The International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent for the first time recognizes there is a special place and a special experience that women African descent, especially in the diaspora, have and that others don't share." - Pamela Coke Hamilton, ITC Executive Director.
“On this day, UN Human Rights not only honours their contributions to society but also recognizes the persistent structural inequalities that continue to marginalize them,” said Marie Joseph Ayissi, a Human Rights Officer at UN Human Rights and Secretary of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD).
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, observed for the first time this 25 July, is a call to move beyond statements toward bold, transformative action, including investment in education, dismantling stereotypes, and ensuring leadership representation.
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.
Uplift women and girls of African descent by investing in education, skills training, and mentorship programmes that equip them with the tools to thrive.
Help combat negative racial and gender stereotypes across media, education, and policymaking that continue to marginalize their voices.
Ensure meaningful representation in political, legal, and corporate leadership, creating spaces where African-descended women shape decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Support the collection of disaggregated data by race and gender to design effective, equitable policies.
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.
The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent is organized by the the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Fellowship programme for people of African descent. With the Collaboration of Diasporas, Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Human Right Defenders, Researchers and Academic Institutions.