African Development Bank to Host Panel on Women’s Rights and Economic Empowerment for International Women’s Day 2026
On March 6, 2026, the African Development Bank (AfDB) will hold a pivotal panel discussion titled “Justice For Her” in recognition of International Women’s Day. The event aims to spotlight the critical link between women’s legal rights and economic empowerment across the African continent. It will take place at the CCIA Auditorium in the AfDB Headquarters located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 10:00 to 11:30 GMT, and will also be accessible online via Vimeo and YouTube.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Women, Family and Children, Nasseneba Touré. Her presence underscores the importance of governmental leadership in the quest for gender equality and women’s rights.
A Focus on Critical Issues
The panel discussion is timely, especially as many women in Africa continue to grapple with significant obstacles when it comes to securing rights related to land, business registration, financial access, and legal protection. These challenges not only stifle individual potential but also inhibit broader economic growth. Experts estimate that gender inequality costs Sub-Saharan Africa billions in economic losses annually. By addressing these issues, the AfDB believes it can help unlock pathways to more inclusive and transformative economic progress.
In alignment with the global theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the AfDB aims to foster a strategic dialogue on how advancing women’s rights and improving access to justice can stimulate economic empowerment and sustainable development throughout Africa.
Why This Discussion is Vital
This initiative is a crucial part of the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy, emphasizing enhanced governance, resilient institutions, and inclusive growth. President Akinwumi Adesina’s commitment to improving lives across Africa necessitates a focus on gender-related issues. Expanding women’s access to rights and justice isn’t just about equity; it’s also about fostering economic participation and resilience, ultimately leading to more equitable economies.
The discussion will include significant figures from the bank, such as Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade and the Director of the Gender, Women and Civil Society Department. They will be joined by policymakers, civil society representatives, and women who will share their firsthand experiences with barriers to justice.
Key Topics of Discussion
The panel is expected to delve into several important subjects, including:
- The impact of justice access on women’s economic participation.
- Economic consequences of ongoing rights deficits faced by women.
- Approaches to integrate gender-responsive access to justice into development operations and policy.
- The necessity of institutional accountability and safeguards in promoting women’s economic rights.
As the panel’s discussions unfold, they will be aimed at not just raising awareness but also catalyzing action. Enabling women to break through legal and economic barriers will benefit entire communities, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.
How to Participate
Those interested in participating in the “Justice For Her” dialogue can mark their calendars for March 6. This event offers a unique chance to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of women’s rights and economic empowerment in Africa.
For more details about the program, attendees can find additional information through the AfDB’s official website.
The African Development Bank is setting the stage for a transformative discussion that promises to address fundamental issues affecting women and girls across the continent. The insights gathered during this event could pave the way for impactful policies that prioritize rights and justice for all women.
— Reported by Nexio News
