A significant panel discussion is set to take place in honor of International Women's Day 2026, focusing on the critical role of access to justice in Africa's economic transformation. Scheduled for March 6, 2026, at the African Development Bank Headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, the event will feature Nasseneba Touré, the country's Minister of Women, Family, and Children, as the keynote speaker. This event will also be accessible online, highlighting the importance of participation across the continent.

The discussion will address pressing issues facing women in Africa, who continue to encounter substantial barriers in various sectors, including land ownership, business formalization, financial access, and legal protections. These challenges not only hinder individual women's empowerment but also impede wider economic progress across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that gender inequality results in significant economic losses, costing the region billions annually, which highlights the urgency of tackling these disparities.

By focusing on the theme of 'Rights. Justice.' for International Women's Day 2026, the event seeks to illuminate the need for legal reforms and policies that promote gender equality and justice. The outcomes of this panel discussion could potentially influence future initiatives aimed at fostering more inclusive economic growth and enhancing women's roles in the economy, thereby contributing to Africa's overarching goals for development and sustainability.