As we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, these pages illustrate a few of the inspirational stories of women who have engaged in or been impacted by the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Stabilization Programme. These stories share how we and our partners are striding forward to realize a better region for women and girls — one of equality and empowerment because when women participate and lead, communities thrive, and sustainable peace and stability become a lived reality.

We hope these stories — and many more untold stories — will serve as a reminder that for a prosperous and peaceful region, Sahelian women of today are paving the way for the next generation to live a safer and more secure life. For this, the women of today must continue to be at the centre of all peace and stability efforts.

Women of the Sahel region are the driving force of our efforts. They are the face of stabilization solutions. They are the inspiration on which our hopes for a peaceful and prosperous Sahel depend.