As the celebration of International Women’s Day unfolded on March 14, 2024, The Bangui Omnisport Stadium was filled with an exuberant crowd of over 4,000 women. The event was attended by high-profile guests including the President of the Republic, Prof. Faustin Archange TOUADERA, alongside his wife Tina Marguerite, signifying the unwavering commitment of the Central African government towards recognizing and uplifting the status of women. Also in attendance were Chancellor Brad Walter MAZAGUÉ, Minister of Gender Promotion, Minister of Family and Child Protection Mrs. Marth KIRIMA, Mayor of Bangui, Emil Gros NAKOMBO, and the representative Country Director of the World Food Program.

President Touadera, in his address, underscored the pivotal role of women in shaping the world, emphasizing that without them, society would falter. He pledged continued support towards fostering women’s independence in the forthcoming years, urging the women of the Central African Republic to showcase their talents and actively engage in governmental politics.

Minister Kirima echoed these sentiments, advocating for robust government support for women who have long struggled to assert their rights. She acknowledged and commended the efforts of organizations like DMI Global Mission and the World Food Program (WFP) in empowering vulnerable women through various initiatives, including cash assistance and school feeding programs.

Mayor Emil Gros Nakombo, renowned for his global advocacy in defending women’s rights, called upon international organizations to rally behind DMI and extend support for their impactful interventions to support women’s empowerment in the Central African Republic. He urged government officials to prioritize expanding partnerships with DMI to reach more women throughout the nation.

Chancellor Brad Walter Mazagué expressed gratitude for DMI and His Eminence Dieudonné Cardinal Nzapa Laïnga for their contributions towards women’s empowerment in the Central African Republic. He emphasized the imperative for the government to continue its focus on gender equality and women’s political participation, citing statistics that underscore the existing disparities.

The World Food Program (PAM) acknowledged DMI’s key role as a partner in their efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty in the Central African Republic. Their continued collaboration has made significant impact on the health and well-being of women, children, and families.

The ceremony, organized by DMI, was widely covered in the national press. Numerous women were recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements in micro-business and savings initiatives, underscoring the transformative power of women’s economic participation and the success of DMI’s interventions.

International Women’s Day 2024 served as a poignant reminder of the indispensable contributions of women towards societal progress and development. It reaffirmed the collective resolve to strive for gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive political representation, to create a more equitable future for the women of the Central African Republic. When we lift-up women, we lift-up humanity. (Melinda Gates).