International Women’s Day offers a crucial moment to reflect on the enduring legacies of those who dared to challenge the status quo and envision a world where equality was not a mere aspiration but a lived reality. For Noble Peace Club International, this reflection deeply rooted in our values, inevitably leads to the profound and remarkably progressive approach of Thomas Sankara, a Burkinabe leader whose commitment to women’s liberation was not merely rhetorical, but a cornerstone of his revolutionary vision. He understood, with an incisive clarity, that true social transformation was impossible without the full and active participation of women, a conviction powerfully articulated in his declaration: “Comrades, there is no true social revolution without the liberation of women. May my eyes never see, and my feet never take me to a society where half the people are held in silence. I hear the roar of women’s silence. I sense the rumble of their storm and feel the fury of their revolt.”
Sankara’s understanding of women’s oppression was not superficial. He recognized it as an integral part of the larger system of exploitation and domination, a system he was determined to dismantle. He saw women not as passive victims but as vital agents of change, whose potential had been systematically suppressed. This understanding informed his actions, transforming his words into tangible policies that aimed at dismantling the oppressive structures that held women back.
One of Sankara’s most powerful pronouncements on women’s role in society was, “The revolution and women’s liberation go together. We do not talk of women’s emancipation as an act of charity or because of a surge of human compassion. It is a basic necessity for the triumph of the revolution. Women hold up the other half of the sky.” This statement encapsulates his belief that women’s liberation was not a favor granted, but a fundamental requirement for building a just and equitable society. He saw women as equal partners in the struggle for progress, their contributions essential to the “triumph of the revolution.”
Beyond grand pronouncements, Sankara’s commitment manifested in concrete actions. He understood that liberation required dismantling deeply entrenched patriarchal practices. His government implemented policies aimed at eradicating harmful traditions, including the banning of female genital mutilation, a practice he condemned as a barbaric violation of women’s bodies. He outlawed forced marriages, recognizing them as instruments of oppression that robbed women of their agency and autonomy. He championed girls’ education, understanding that knowledge was a powerful tool for empowerment. In his words, “We must speak to the women and make them conscious of their rights. We must try to transform their mentality.” This emphasis on education and consciousness-raising underscores his belief that true liberation required not only legal reforms but also a fundamental shift in societal attitudes.
Sankara also recognized the importance of women’s participation in political and economic life. He actively encouraged women to take on leadership roles, breaking down barriers that had historically excluded them from positions of power. He believed that women’s voices were essential in shaping the future of their nation, and he worked to create an environment where those voices could be heard. He stated, “We want women to be free and to be able to take part in the development of our country. We want to put an end to all forms of oppression.” This desire to create a society free from oppression was not limited to gender, but encompassed all forms of inequality.
His recognition of the economic oppression of women was also clear. He understood that economic independence was crucial for women’s liberation. He sought to provide women with access to resources and opportunities, enabling them to become self-sufficient and contribute to the economic development of their communities. As he said, “We must mobilize women to fight for their rights, for their liberation, for their emancipation.” This call to action was not just a call to protest, but a call to build a society where women could thrive.
Thomas Sankara’s legacy on International Women’s Day serves as a potent reminder that true progress requires a radical commitment to equality. His vision of a society where women are free from oppression and fully empowered remains a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable world. The roar of women’s silence that he heard continues to resonate, reminding us that the fight for women’s liberation is not just a moral imperative, but a fundamental necessity for the creation of a truly revolutionary society.
Today, we celebrate the women in our lives.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Signed: National Executive Council,
Noble Peace Club international.
March 8th, 2025.
