On Friday, 8 March we celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, and a time when we recognise the sacrifices of the past and accomplishments to come. It has been 113 years since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, and we live in a world that has been irrevocably changed since then.

However, we are not yet where we should be. As we continue to stride towards a gender-equal world, we have to realise that our journey is far from over. The theme of International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion”, and that is what our aim should be. That is our destination.

As chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) I am proud to say that ours is an institution that embraces this theme, and we have fostered a culture where diverse perspectives are valued. We have also found innovative ways to empower all individuals to reach their potential, not just at the NWU, but in the communities we serve too.

It is therefore a pleasure for me to say that International Women’s Day is not only a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women across the globe, but also an acknowledgement of their innumerable invaluable contributions. On this day we highlight the progress made towards gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to address disparities. Let us never forget the importance of treating everyone fairly, regardless of their gender.

It is also my hope that we will continue to appreciate the achievements of women in all fields, and that we will support their rights and opportunities. We must also never stop raising awareness about the challenges women face as we work towards a more inclusive world.

On International Women’s Day we will reflect, we will appreciate, we will take action and, together, we will celebrate.

Let us unite as an institution to build with inclusivity the greatness that we desire.

Dr Anna Mokgokong

NWU Chancellor