Racing down a river for International Women’s Day

Dozens of women took part in an all-female boat race on the Oubangui River in the Central African Republic to celebrate International Women’s Day, in an event filled with joy and strong competitive spirit.

Thousands of excited spectators gathered along the riverbanks near the capital Bangui to watch the race as the women paddled their canoes with determination across the river. The teams competing in the race were made up entirely of women.

The event took place on 7 March, ahead of the global celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

One of the participants, Jupsie Mameleyabi, captain of the women’s team from Bokassi village, said the race was an opportunity for women to show they are capable of doing the same activities usually dominated by men.

“Usually it’s our husbands who race, but for this day we said, why not us? We are also capable of doing what our husbands are doing and we are proud of it,” she said.

The canoe race offered a different way of celebrating International Women’s Day, moving away from the usual marches commonly organized for the occasion.

The initiative was welcomed by both the enthusiastic crowds and officials present at the event. Rachel Miam Diagone, the UN’s permanent representative for women in the Central African Republic, praised the determination of the participants.

“I’m proud that I took part in this race. I saw the bravery of Central African women. They were valiant, determined and committed, and this is what the 8th of March is about,” she said.

Following the success of the race, organizers suggested that future International Women’s Day celebrations in Bangui could include more creative activities similar to the canoe competition.