IWD 2021: Awa NANA Co-opted as Patron of a Women’s Association at the OTR

The women of the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) marked the 110th International Women’s Day through a panel discussion and experience-sharing session led by women leaders. Under the theme, “Women’s Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World,” they reflected on their social and professional realities and encouraged one another to continue advancing the promotion of women’s rights.

On 5 March 2021, ahead of the celebration, the women of OTR established an association to promote their interests and better address the challenges they face. A nine-member executive committee was elected to lead the association.

On this occasion, Mrs Awa NANA-DABOYA, Ombudsman of the Republic of Togo and President of HCRRUN, was appointed Patron of the association. According to the Director of Communication, Mrs MAGBENGA Komnaka, this choice was deliberate:

“We chose her because she is one of the Togolese women who has built an outstanding career in the public administration at a time when it was far more difficult for women to reach positions of responsibility. She is a woman we deeply admire for her humility and the constant availability she has always shown.”

Mrs Awa NANA-DABOYA expressed her gratitude for the honour bestowed upon her and pledged to support the association in achieving its objectives.

International Women’s Day originated in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. One year later, the Socialist Party of America established the first National Women’s Day. The idea of an international observance was proposed in 1910 by Clara Zetkin during the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, where delegates from 17 countries unanimously endorsed the proposal. The first International Women’s Day was officially celebrated in 1911.