Every March, the world pauses to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and power of women. And with good reason. International Women’s Day (IWD) isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a movement, a call to action, and a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go as a society. What began in the early 1900s as a labour movement for women’s rights has evolved into a global celebration of progress, solidarity, and empowerment.
And for African women specifically, Women’s Month has always carried a unique weight. Across the continent and the diaspora, women have not only fought for equality, but have also been the backbone of cultural, political, and economic revolutions. From the anti-colonial resistance led by legends like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Winnie Mandela, to the present-day waves of women driving change in business, the arts, and technology, African women have always been at the forefront of shaping history.
Today, Women’s Month is more than just a day, it’s a season of recognition, a chance to uplift voices that have been silenced, to reclaim narratives, and to celebrate the progress made by women who continue to shape our world.
This month, at Marmalade Collective, we’re leaning into that legacy with our theme: Empowering Progress.
What “Empowering Progress” means for African Women
When we talk about progress, we don’t mean vague, feel-good notions of change. We’re talking about real, tangible movement. The kind that transforms industries, redefines representation, and shifts power, and African women are already leading the charge, from music to filmmaking, literature to fashion, activism to business.
This month, our focus is clear: women’s empowerment, leadership, and actionable change. We’re not just celebrating achievements; we’re spotlighting the work still being done and the barriers still being broken. And so, we’re dedicating March to the women who are actively reshaping culture, society, and history.
What “Empowering Progress” means for Marmalade
Throughout March, Marmalade Collective will spotlight women who are redefining African identity and storytelling through their art.
Women in Music: Sewà
One of the most powerful ways women have shaped culture is through music. This month, we’re highlighting Nigerian Canada-based musician, Ṣẹ̀wà, a genre-blending artist whose sound is as rich as her roots. Combining Afrobeat, Fuji, Jazz, R&B, and Soul, she embodies the evolution of African music. From selling out shows in Nigeria to making waves in Toronto, she’s proving that African women in music don’t just participate, they lead.
Women in Art: Naledi Tshegofatso Modupi
South-African visual artist, Naledi Modupi is using her craft to celebrate Blackness and femininity in all their boldness. Her striking portraits, characterised by vibrant colours and continuous lines, tell stories of identity, strength, and selfhood. Having showcased her work from Johannesburg to London, she’s carving out space for African women in the global art scene–one powerful image at a time.
Women in Film: Nyasha Kadandara
In film, few voices are pushing boundaries like Nyasha Kadandara. As a Zimbabwean, Kenya-base journalist and documentary filmmaker, she brings underrepresented African stories to light with an unflinching lens. Whether through VR storytelling, feature documentaries, or in-depth journalism, she’s redefining how African women’s experiences are documented and shared.
These three phenomenal women will be taking centre stage in our celebration of all the ways African women are showing up, taking up space, and reshaping the cultural landscape in ways that are impossible to ignore.
Honouring the Trailblazers & Elevating the Voices of Now
As we celebrate today’s pioneers, we'll also honour the legendary women who've paved the way for others like Esther Mahlangu, the global icon of contemporary African painting, Safi Faye, the first Sub-Saharan woman to direct a feature film, reshaping African cinema and many more women who defied the odds and changed the game.
Alongside them, we’re also spotlighting contemporary authors, featuring must-read books by African women, and celebrating women-led fashion brands that are shaping the future of style. Definitely something to look forward to.
Spotlighting the Women of Marmalade: A Community of Powerhouses
At Marmalade Collective, our community is everything. The women who make up our collective are more than just readers or followers; they’re creators, thinkers, and visionaries who are pushing African culture forward. And that’s why we’re dedicating space to the women of Marmalade, and showcasing the incredible work of the artists, writers, and innovators within our own community.
Expect to see curated carousels, deep dives into African women’s impact across industries, and interactive conversations that keep the spirit of IWD alive all month long.
Join Our Year-Round Commitment
International Women’s Day isn’t just a celebration, it’s a call to action. And for us, celebrating African women is never confined to a single day. We honour them year-round, amplifying their voices, sharing their stories, and making sure that the work they do is seen, heard, and valued.
This month, we’re doubling down on that mission because progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we show up, uplift each other, and create spaces where African women’s contributions aren’t just acknowledged, but celebrated in all their glory.
Join us as we honour the past, amplify the present, and shape the future. Because when African women rise, the world follows.
Written by: Mary Obiri-Ibe and edited by Omotola Saba
Member discussion