International Women's Day

The United Nations says International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. Women stand at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, as health care workers, caregivers, community organisers and as some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted both the centrality of their contributions and the disproportionate burdens that women carry. This year’s theme is "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world".

To take the conversation further as we close off the month we talk to:

• Mary Izobo is an International Human Rights Lawyer and Gender Advocate. She is with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. She is also the founder of the Amazon Leadership Initiative.

• Mandisa Ncgobo is the Chief Operating Officer at Asali Capital

• Bea Hakula, is the President of Africa for Africa Women