As we join the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, I extend my warmest greetings to the women of the Mano River Union subregion, and most especially, to the resilient women cross-border traders who are the lifeblood of our economy.

March 8th every year, is International Women’s Day. Since its inception in 1911, it has been a day to reflect on the tangible, meaningful contributions made by women in making the world a better place.

This year’s theme: #GivetoGain, underscores that investing in women—through time, mentorship, resources, and advocacy—is not a loss, but a powerful, intentional multiplication that strengthens communities, economies, and societies for everyone. It calls for collective action to move beyond promises, focusing on tangible support to ensure women thrive, ultimately creating a more equitable, prosperous world where everyone rises.

The global call for “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” is a mission we live out daily through the Building Inclusive Business Ecosystems for Stabilization and Transformation (BI-BEST) Project. This year’s theme perfectly captures the spirit of our work and recognizes the immense sacrifices women make for their families and communities, and it champions the powerful truth that investing in women creates progress that benefits us all.

For a woman cross-border trader, rights and justice mean safe passage across borders, fair treatment, and equal access to markets. Through BI-BEST, we are turning these concepts into tangible action, ensuring these women are not just participants, but true drivers of regional integration and economic development.

I am deeply honoured to work with women of such incredible bravery and determination. Their resilience is an inspiration, and it fuels our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous sub-region.

On this day, and every day, let us remember that when we champion the rights of all women and girls, we are building a legacy of shared progress for generations to come.

Happy International Women’s Day.

 

Ange Konan-Monu
Deputy Secretary General for Peace and Security, Democratic Good Governance, and Social Affairs, and BI-BEST Project Coordinator.
Mano River Union Secretariat

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BI-BEST Project is a four-million US Dollar initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Mano River Union Secretariat to empower women cross-border traders in the Liberia and Sierra Leone, in order to foster economic growth and regional integration within the subregion.