IGAD Honors Women’s Leadership Across East Africa

Addis Ababa, March 8, 2026 (ENA)—The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has paid tribute to the resilience, leadership and achievements of women across East Africa as the world marks International Women’s Day.

In a message shared on its official X platform, the regional organization praised the vital role women play in advancing peace, prosperity and social progress across its member states.

IGAD said women continue to make significant contributions in areas ranging from peacebuilding and economic development to community resilience and regional cooperation.

The organization emphasized that empowering women remains essential to achieving sustainable development and stability in the region.

Under the leadership of Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation in regional decision-making processes.

According to the Secretariat, these initiatives include the creation of regional women’s forums focusing on key areas such as peace and security, agriculture, digital security, artificial intelligence and land governance.

The platforms allow women leaders, experts and policymakers to exchange ideas, influence policy discussions and expand opportunities for leadership across the region.

IGAD noted that such forums are helping amplify women’s voices and ensure that gender perspectives are incorporated into regional strategies and programs.

The organization also highlighted ongoing implementation of the IGAD Gender Strategy, a framework designed to promote gender equality and ensure women’s full participation in regional development initiatives.

The strategy focuses on strengthening women’s political representation, improving economic opportunities and enhancing women’s roles in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

According to IGAD, the framework is intended to integrate gender equality across all sectors of regional cooperation, including governance, climate resilience and economic integration.

Founded in 1996, IGAD is an eight-member regional bloc in the Horn of Africa and East Africa that promotes cooperation on development, security and environmental sustainability.

Its member states include Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea.

The organization has increasingly prioritized gender equality as part of its regional peace and development agenda, recognizing that women play a critical role in conflict resolution, humanitarian response and sustainable economic growth.

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and ensuring that women across the region continue to shape policies and initiatives that influence the future of East Africa.