2026 International Women’s Day: King Ethel Urges Justice and Equal Opportunities for Women and Girls
Prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist Egbe Ethel Etah issued a powerful call for greater commitment to the rights, justice, and empowerment of women and girls. Popularly known as King Ethel, Etah Egbe, who serves as Land Registrar for Manyu Division, CEO of King Ethel Empire, and a fashion designer and business leader highlighted the urgent need for stronger action to ensure women everywhere can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
The global theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” framed her message, which emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in advancing gender equality.
Women’s Rights as Human Rights
In her remarks marking the occasion in Cameroon in general and the South West in particular, King Ethel underscored that women’s rights are inseparable from fundamental human rights. “Every woman and girl deserves the chance to dream, learn, and succeed without fear of discrimination or violence,” she said, noting that despite progress, many women across the world continue to face systemic barriers that limit their potential.
According to her, societies cannot achieve sustainable development without ensuring women’s full participation in economic, social, and political life.
Economic Justice and Opportunity
King Ethel also addressed the economic challenges faced by many women. She pointed to persistent inequalities such as pay gaps, limited access to financial resources, and barriers to entrepreneurship. She urged policymakers and institutions to create systems that support women-led businesses and ensure equal pay for equal work. “Across communities, there are talented women with innovative ideas who lack access to funding and support,” she noted. “Empowering them economically strengthens families and entire economies.”
Education as a Catalyst for Change
Education, the Buea-based business magnate stressed, remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of inequality. To her, millions of girls worldwide, particularly in developing regions, still struggle to access quality education due to poverty, cultural barriers, or early marriage.
King Ethel called for renewed investments in girls’ education to ensure they have the skills and confidence to shape their futures. “When we educate a girl, we empower generations,” she said.
Health and Autonomy
The philanthropist also highlighted the importance of women’s health and bodily autonomy, calling for improved access to healthcare services, including reproductive health. She emphasized that women must be able to make informed decisions about their health without restrictions or stigma. “Health is not a privilege, it is a right,” she stated.
Justice and Legal Protection
Another key issue raised was the challenge women face when seeking justice for violence or discrimination. According to King Ethel, many victims are discouraged by social stigma or lack of institutional support. She called for stronger legal protections and systems that allow women to report abuses safely and seek justice without fear. “A just society must stand firmly with victims and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
A Collective Call to Action
As part of her message for International Women’s Day, King Ethel urged individuals, communities, and governments to move beyond celebration and commit to tangible action.
She encouraged people to advocate for stronger laws protecting women’s rights, support local initiatives that empower women and girls, and challenge social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination.
Looking Ahead
For King Ethel, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is not simply a slogan but a roadmap for the future. “Rights, justice, and action for all women and girls represent the kind of world we must build together,” she said.
As Cameroon and the global community mark the occasion, her message serves as a reminder that the pursuit of equality requires ongoing commitment not just on March 8, but every day. “Let us stand up, speak out, and act,” King Ethel concluded. “Only then can we create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.”
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