Celebrated every March 8, the 2025 International Women’s Day 2025 is held under the theme “For all women and girls: equality and empowerment,” in a bid to honor women and girls.
Supposedly a day of reflection, advocacy, and celebration of women’s achievements, it transforms in some circles into a yearly spectacle driven by the expectation of traditional African fabric, often leading to more conflict than commemoration. While the official theme, “Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls,” rings out, the reality often feels more like a price war. The annual fabric distribution has become a high stakes game of marital one-upmanship. Those receiving the coveted fabric proudly display their prize, while those who don’t air their grievances, lamenting the perceived lack of respect and appreciation. “They claim it is our day, but materials are expensive every year,” Clemance Lyonala explains.
This year, complaints about the cost of fabric are high. “We even sew to facilitate some from overspending, but they still complain of the prices; we cannot sell if they don’t reach the price we buy,” says Victorine, a fabric vendor. Even symbolic gestures are subject to inflation. The price of the fabric sky rockets as March 8th approaches, turning a well-intentioned tradition into a financial burden. Men lament the pressure to spend exorbitant amounts, while women criticize their partners’ perceived stinginess. The day’s focus becomes the price.
The problems increase when women, having received the fabric, frequent bars. “Sometimes, just knowing she will go out because it’s their day, and she won’t be home early, I hesitate to buy her the fabric; but not buying is another problem,” Egbe Ogong explains. While men complain about their wives prioritizing the day, causing issues, women focus on obtaining the fabric. International Women’s Day fabrics have become a recurring issue, with many expressing frustrations over subpar materials and lackluster designs, at excessively high prices given their economic challenges.
With so many complaints, it is hoped that authorities will take notice in the coming years. Perhaps addressing the artificial inflation of fabric prices and shifting the focus away from material possessions will bring genuine celebration to women on this important day. The rising discontent highlights a need for broader societal conversation.
