International Women’s Day (IWD), observed every year on March 8, is a global moment to honor the social, economic, political, and cultural contributions of women. The 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls,” offers a clear call to confront persistent inequalities and accelerate collective efforts to secure a just world for every woman and girl, regardless of geography, identity, or socio-economic status.
This year’s theme reaffirms the global community’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all women and girls, advancing justice in every sphere of life, and catalysing meaningful action towards inclusive, transformative change.
Despite global commitments, millions of women continue to confront systemic barriers—from gender-based violence and discrimination to unequal access to resources and decision-making spaces.
At Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), the pursuit of gender justice is inseparable from the pursuit of economic justice. Ensuring that tax and fiscal policies work for women is vital for dismantling structural inequities and building societies that uphold fairness and dignity for all.
TJNA's Policy Intern, Ms. Zandile Ndebele , highlights this connection, noting that women, particularly those in low-income contexts, often carry the heaviest burden of regressive tax systems, inadequate public services, and the invisible labour of unpaid care work.
“Gender-responsive taxation is not just a policy option, it is a justice imperative. When tax systems fund equitable healthcare, education, water, and social protection, they ease the care burden on women and open pathways for economic empowerment. Ensuring that fiscal architecture centers the needs of women is essential for achieving real equality,” Ms.Ndebele added.
While strides have been made globally, such as increased representation of women in leadership and heightened advocacy for gender rights, significant gaps persist. Gender pay disparities remain entrenched as women’s access to quality healthcare, education, and reproductive rights continues to be uneven.
In many conflict-affected regions, women and girls face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and displacement while climate change intensifies vulnerabilities for women, even though they play central roles in community resilience and adaptation.
The 2026 theme demands more than solidarity; it demands action. Achieving justice for all women and girls requires transforming systems, redistributing power, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities. This includes creating inclusive economies, strengthening protection mechanisms, and elevating women’s voices—especially those historically pushed to the margins.
TJNA remains committed to advancing a feminist fiscal agenda that places women at the centre of Africa’s development. Through partnerships, research, and advocacy, we continue to push for tax systems that challenge inequality, curb illicit financial flows, and ensure that public resources are mobilised and allocated in ways that uplift women and girls.
On this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our dedication to a future where rights are protected, justice is accessible, and decisive action transforms the lives of all women and girls. A just and equitable Africa is possible. One where tax justice fuels gender justice, and every woman and girl can live, thrive, and lead with dignity.
For more information about TJNA and its work, please contact info@taxjusticeafrica.net
