Celebrating International Women's Day with Inspirational Stories of African Women and a Special Coupon

“For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

That’s the theme for International Women's Day (IWD) in 2025. IWD presents a powerful platform globally for advancing gender equality in every dimension of human life, and we’re here for it! We at OAPay imagine a world that is free from gender bias. As a women-led organization, we remain deeply committed to rallying for equal rights, celebrating the achievements of women everywhere, and advocating female leadership across all sectors.

Beyond revolutionizing international money transfers, we actively empower workplace inclusivity and redefine roles that have traditionally been shaped by gender expectations. In celebrating International Women’s Day this year, we have a special Women's Day coupon that you can use to redeem an exciting bonus (more details up ahead).

But first, we think it is only fitting to pay our tribute to women trailblazers and history makers from Africa who didn’t wait for change to happen.

Champions of change: Celebrating women who dared to dream

Over the last ten years—women’s representation has increased at every level of corporate management. The corporate landscape is evolving, with more women taking on leadership roles and driving meaningful change at every level.

On that note, let’s unpack the stories of four exceptional African women who rewrote the rules and defied all limits.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, known as “Africa’s Iron Lady,” was the First Female President of Liberia and a leading advocate of freedom, peace, justice, and women’s empowerment.

As Africa’s first democratically elected woman president, Sirleaf was instrumental in responding to the Ebola Crisis of 2014-2015 and leading Liberia through reconciliation and recovery following a decade-long civil war. 

Amina J. Mohammed 

Amina J. Mohammed is currently the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. She made history by becoming the Nigerian Minister of Environment, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to hold this position.

In the past, Amina has worked for three successive Presidents in Nigeria as a Senior Special Assistant on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Her relentless efforts to bridge divides include coordinating poverty reduction interventions with debt relief gains of $1bn per annum. She continues to support global diplomacy and serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women and girls worldwide.

Meaza Ashenafi Mengistu

A pioneer in the women's movement in Ethiopia, Meaza Ashenafi Mengistu broke the record by being the first woman in Ethiopian history to become the President of the Federal Supreme Court (Chief Justice). 

Ashenafi is also the Co-founder of Enat Bank, the first bank targeted at women's economic empowerment. She currently serves as an adviser on gender and women’s rights in the Capacity Development Division of UNECA and is playing a critical role in vocalizing the needs of marginalized women.

Glanis Changachirere

As a Zimbabwean human rights advocate and scholar, Glanis Changachirere has dedicated her life to empowering young women in her community and promoting gender equality.

She is also the founding Director of the Institute for Young Women Development (IYWD) and the founding Coordinator of the African Women Leaders Forum and has bravely stood up against threats of violence and intimidation.

Empowering women all around with purpose and power

When the world told them, “Stay in your lane,” these inspirational women hit the gas, stepping up to become the first responders and changemakers that their communities and the world needed.

As an Africa-first, community-driven platform—OAPay is a strong advocate of women’s empowerment. For every successful transfer via OAPay that you make, we extend our support for safe childbirth by funding local hospitals and registered charitable programs that ensure lower mortality rates.

While our international money transfer services are backing immigrants to step up in a world they choose to make their own, we’re also creating a level playing field for women and empowering them to become the catalyst for lasting change.

Special coupon right up, you made it this far

This International Women’s Day, we have a special coupon for our powerhouse of users. Make your first transfer from the USA of $50 or more and your recipient gets an extra $5 bonus from us!

Use code - OAIWD

Valid only from Friday, March 7, 2025, to Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Here's to strong women: May we KNOW them, May we BE them, May we RAISE them. Happy Women’s Day from all of us at OAPay!