Envisioning a World where Women and Girls can Learn, Lead, and Thrive.

In the March 2026 edition of AJANews, AJAN proudly joined the worldwide observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” Despite notable advances, the United Nations highlights that women globally possess just 64% of the legal rights afforded to men, continuing to face obstacles in employment, safety, family, property ownership, mobility, entrepreneurship, and retirement. As we honour women this month, we are collectively urged to eliminate discriminatory laws, reinforce legal safeguards, and challenge detrimental social norms that restrict the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

At AJAN, we put this commitment into practice through our Building Resilience in Women and Girls in Africa (BRWGA) programme, which supports vulnerable women, teenage mothers, and girls throughout the continent. BRWGA addresses economic hardship, HIV & AIDS, and gender inequality by offering skills training, access to microcredit, and psychosocial support across five African nations. This initiative nurtures self-reliance and empowers participants to become leaders in their communities. Through BRWGA, AJAN affirms that empowerment is not only a fundamental right, but also a driving force for meaningful social transformation.

Investing in girls’ empowerment is more than an act of justice, it is a strategic pathway to holistic, integral human development. When girls are educated, economically independent, and supported, they positively impact their families, communities, and nations. The benefits are far-reaching: educated and empowered girls are more likely to advocate for their health, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to economic and social progress.

Our effort of empowering women and girls and advocating for inclusive healthcare, reflect a commitment to justice, resilience, and the holistic development of communities across Africa. By amplifying the voices of women, addressing structural inequalities, and fostering leadership among youth, we continue to build a future where rights, opportunity, and dignity are not privileges, but realities for all.

In this edition, discover highlights such as AJAN Director Fr Ismael Matambura’s visit to Collège Alfajiri, DRC, where he engaged with AJAN AHAPPY Club students; the milestone celebration of 35 graduates from the Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Programme at Lang’ata Women’s Prison in Kenya—a collaborative initiative between AJAN and Hekima University College; the International Women’s Day 2026 event at Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) in Burundi, where essential support kits containing staple foods were distributed; and the training of 24 young participants at Centre Arrupe, Madagascar, focused on environmental stewardship and promoting holistic health and social justice. These stories exemplify AJAN’s ongoing commitment to empowering young people and fostering sustainable wellbeing throughout Africa.

Furthermore, Catholic students from tertiary institutions affiliated with the Jesuit Youth Ministry and the National Movement of Catholic Students Zimbabwe concluded their Lenten journey with a profound act of compassion—a visit to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. This initiative extended beyond mere outreach, serving as a tangible demonstration of solidarity, prayer, and respect for human dignity.

By, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.