- General
This International Women’s Day we reflect with colleagues and programme participants and celebrate resilience and diverse women.
A letter to my younger self on International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8th, the world pauses to celebrate International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day reminds us that equity is not a privilege, it is a right and that will take all of us – women, men, advocates, and allies – to create a world where every woman, regardless of her background or ability, has the chance to thrive.
This International Women’s Day, we ask: what would you say to your younger self?
This year, the We Can Work programme is taking the conversation beyond statistics and policies. We are stepping into the personal and the intimate. Across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Senegal, Austria, and Mozambique, we invited diverse women to write letters to their younger selves.
They are penning words of courage to the girls they once were – girls who doubted their worth, who battled stereotypes, who fought against all odds to be who they are. Through these letters, generations of women are reaching back in time, offering wisdom, comfort, and hope to their past oppressed selves while inspiring the next generation to push forward.
Through these letters, we are rewriting the narrative. We are celebrating resilience. We are proving that the voices of women of all abilities, of all backgrounds are powerful beyond measure.
Advocating for diversity
“Dear Mathilde…”
“Do you remember growing up? People called you names, pointed fingers, and laughed. You felt like you didn’t belong because you didn’t fit into the social norms. But today, you stand in a foreign country, surrounded by thousands of fellow human rights activists, raising your voice against oppression. You, Mathilde, have become the advocate you needed as a child. You stand tall for gender, for disability rights, for diversity. And you are not alone.”
— Mathilde Umuraza, Gender Expert at Light for the World
“Dear Ominyi Cecelia…”
“My dear Cecelia, I’m proud of you and the lady you are growing into, the strong, confident, and smart lady that you are, I love you…“
“…Meanwhile I have some lessons to share with you concerning my experience in life.
- The best thing you can do for yourself is to love yourself, self-acceptance. No one will see you higher than you see yourself.
- No one should make you change your personality or intrinsic values. That’s what makes you unique. Don’t let it go because of people’s attitude towards you.
- For your own good focus on your visions don’t let them die.
- Not everyone will love you so don’t cry if you are not accepted or valued by the people around you.“
“Let me tell you something… nothing is wrong with you my darling, you are only among those who don’t know your values. Do not let anything or anyone discourage you, you are the best. I wish you good luck. Don’t let go, the best is yet to come keep moving. I love you my dear.“
— Cecelia Ominyi, We Can Work Programme Participant, Nigeria
Men as allies: a shift in perspective
Gender equality will never be achieved without men standing alongside women as allies, breaking down barriers, and challenging outdated beliefs and being part of change. This campaign invites men to reflect on how their perceptions of women have evolved from childhood to the present day.
“Dear Collins…”
“I am a man with a disability, and I am an ally. I have seen the struggles of women with disabilities, and I share in their quest for equity. We must continue to push, to amplify their voices, to dismantle barriers. Now, more than ever, we must stand together.”
— Collins Ombajo, Disability Inclusion Advisor, Kenya
Why this matters
While women across the world continue to face gender-based discrimination, women and girls with disabilities experience a double burden facing both gender inequality and exclusion due to disabilities. This Women’s Day campaign is more than just a collection of letters; it is a space created for solidarity, mentorship, and empowerment. It is a space where women lift each other up, proving that strength is found not only in overcoming obstacles, but in sharing our journeys with one another for a fairer future.
“Dear Elsa…”
“Cerebral palsy has taught you that self-advocacy is your superpower. It will take time, but you will learn to use your voice. You will find spaces where you belong. You will grow into a woman who stands tall—not despite your disability, but because of it.”
— Elsa Wanderi, We Can Work Academy Participant, Kenya
“Dear Fatimah…”
“As I sit down to write to you today, I am filled with a mix of emotions – nostalgia, gratitude, and pride. I am proud of the strong, resilient woman you are growing up to be. I know that growing up, you faced challenges and obstacles that made you question your place in the world. Born with albinism, you knew you were different from a young age. You’d ask me, your older self, why you couldn’t play outside like the other kids, why your skin was so sensitive to the sun, why you looked different from everyone else.“
“The stares, the whispers, the pointed fingers – they all took a toll on your fragile heart. You’d wonder why people stared at you even in the mosque. You’d wonder if you’d ever find your place in the world, if you’d ever succeed despite the odds stacked against you. You felt like an outcast, a stranger in your own skin.”
“But here’s the thing, younger Fatimah: you are not alone. You are not defined by your albinism. You are strong, resilient, and capable of achieving greatness, and you’re BEAUTIFUL.”
— Fatimah Usman, We Can Work Programme Participant, Nigeria
